by Chris Price

Up to £1m will be spent on creating more jobs in the Folkestone and Romney Marsh area over the next three years.

Business leaders were told on Friday that Shepway District Council is in a position to invest cash with the aim of maintaining current jobs, helping small businesses and establishing new positions.

The money is from the council's reserves, which have built up thanks to efficiency measures brought in over the past six years.

The council's proposals include:

:: Investing in apprenticeship schemes

:: Contacting broadband suppliers to make sure superfast broadband reaches main areas of employment earlier than planned

:: Setting up an information service to support start-up and small businesses

:: Providing support to local families who find it difficult to get work

Cabinet Member for the Economy Cllr Alan Clifton Holt said a strong and stable administration meant the council had four years to push forward its agenda for business growth.

He said: "Over the last six years the council has become more effective and efficient and we have been able to build up our reserves.

"We can now put some of this to good use."

Council chief executive Alistair Stewart told representatives from 20 Shepway businesses and local chambers of commerce that although the council was putting forward its own proposals, it needed their help to ensure the money was being put to the right use.

He said: "We're not interested in long and detailed reports. We want to work on real projects. We know what we'd like to do but if we have got this wrong, you need to tell us."

Businesses put forward their ideas in a round-table session and will meet with the council again in three months time.

Chairman of Kent Economic Board Geoff Miles, who chaired the meeting, described it as a "fantastic initiative."

He said: "Not long ago, the council was in a very different position. It's now got money to invest and wants local businesses to help kick-start ideas and proposals on the way it is spent. This is a fantastic position to be in."