"Bank of Blackpool" is open!

THE Bank of Blackpool is open! The first businesses have now been helped by Blackpool Council's £3m grant scheme aimed at helping companies survive the recession. But the news comes as the resort's latest unemployment figures are revealed, with almost 2,000 additional people now out of work. Blackpool's unemployment rates has increased from 3.4 per cent of people in April 2008 to 5.6 per cent of people in April this year – a jump of 40 per cent, representing an extra 1,876 people claiming jobseekers allowance. The council announced earlier this year it would be setting up a Recession Response Group and a £3m loan and grant programme to help businesses.

For further details visit at : www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/blackpoolnews/Bank-of-Blackpool-opens-for.5368751.jp