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Tees
Valley farmers rein in new business
A Tees Valley farming
couple has seen their new equestrian business of providing a quality
livery service start off at a gallop.
Catherine Sturrock and
Eric Brannen had been renting out the land around Grange Farm, Bishopton,
near Stockton, which has been in Catherine's family for more than 20
years, but were keen to develop their interest in horses as a business.
Eric explained:
"We realised there were a number of horse owners in the area and
the demand was there for a good quality livery service. Our instincts
were confirmed when we were consulted by McAuley-McGee Associates, who
at that time were producing the Tees Valley Equestrian Strategy.
"After
participating in the research Cath and I decided to make good use of
McAuley-McGee's expertise and retained them as project managers to see
through the scheme. We gained planning permission and were awarded grant
funding from RES to help us establish the new business.
"Work started in
October last year to create a new purpose-built stable block and arena
with associated facilities, such as a horse walker."
Cath added: "The
site covers two and a half acres, which can cater for up to 40 horses.
We see the development as adding to the amenities of the village and
have incorporated a play area on the site for local children. We were
also keen to plan a range of trees, some one-thousand, which will make a
big difference over the coming years."
Eric continued:
"The interest we've had has been wonderful. We had people queuing
up to bring their horses here; we're already full and have a waiting
list of others wanting to use the facilities.
"Our development
sits at the centre of one of the 'equestrian hotspots' in the Tees
Valley and is close to the predicted Tees Valley Trail. By cooperating
with our neighbours we hope to open up an extensive range of off-road
riding opportunities in the near future."
As well as offering a
livery service for horse owners, who can ride their horses on off-road
trails around the farm, the couple also offer horse training and riding
lessons at the new Grange Farm Riding Centre.
John Gornall, an
adviser for the Rural Development Service in the North East, said:
"Equestrian ventures have been a popular form of diversification
for many of the region's farmers and can provide a valuable, added
income to help ensure a sustainable future for farm businesses.
"Ms Sturrock and
Mr Brennan did their research and realised there was a demand for livery
services in the area and we're delighted to have been able to support
them in this new venture, which is proving to be a great success."
Friday, 30 June 2006
was the last date on which new applications could be accepted under the
Rural Enterprise Scheme, the Processing and Marketing Grant, the
Vocational Training Scheme and the Energy Crops (SRC) Producer Group
Scheme.
The 30 June deadline
does not apply to Objective 1 and LEADER+ funding; neither does it apply
to Environmental Stewardship (Entry Level and Higher Level Schemes); nor
does it relate to the Energy Crops Scheme Establishment Grants, the Hill
Farm Allowance, or the English Woodland Grant Scheme.
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