Rural West Sussex

The rural economy is vital, not only to those who work directly in rural areas but in managing the landscape that makes this County such an attractive place to live and work.

SEEDA have recognised the need to support our rural economy by creating the Small Rurals Towns programme. The programme will be managed by a local partnership, lead by Action in Rural Sussex, with support from the local authorities, Sussex Enterprise, Sussex Learning and Skills Council and West Sussex Learning Partnership. West Sussex County Council are the accountable body. The programme aims to enable rural towns to develop as drivers of their own economy. Communities need to evaluate their strengths and weaknesses through a healthcheck process, which in turn identifies where action is needed. The Small Rural Towns Programme was launched in Billingshurst in October 2004, and was chaired by WSEP. A co-ordinator has been appointed to support people and organisations through the whole process, from idenitfying the issues to developing the projects. SEEDA is providing some funding towards these projects, with final approve being granted by the Board of WSEP.

A key future challenge is the need to find a sustainable income for farmers to manage the landscape and retain its natural beauty. This will mean searching for innovative uses for their land and buildings.

• Local food overview
• Map of market towns
• Rural statistics