Grant helps dog hydrotherapy business

Little Barn Hydrotherapy received £29,000 through the Herefordshire LEADER programme to make the venture come to fruition.

Ruth Punshon was inspired to set up the company near Hereford in Eaton Bishop after her Border Collie Ziggy suffered from muscle wastage and osteoarthritis.

She successfully applied for the LEADER grant and then used it to part-fund a small barn conversion into a specialist canine hydrotherapy centre.

“The funding has made my dream for a canine hydrotherapy centre a reality and the building has far exceeded what I had hoped for," she said.

"Little Barn Hydrotherapy provides fitness or convalescence opportunities for dogs in the county, and can help them to manage debilitating physical conditions.

"The LEADER grant was used to part-fund the conversion of our small barn into a professional hydrotherapy centre that I am very proud of!”

LEADER, which is funded by the European Union and managed by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, aims to encourage growth of the local economy by funding rural businesses such as:

• Micro and small enterprises, including farm diversification

• Rural tourism

• Increasing farm productivity

• Increasing forestry provision

• Provision of rural services

• Cultural and heritage activities

Councillor David Harlow, Herefordshire Council Cabinet Member for Economy and Communications, said the Herefordshire LEADER programme has given access to funding for eligible rural businesses that provide such an important contribution to the Herefordshire economy.

He added: "Herefordshire Council can give advice and access to a range local business grants and community group funding, and I would encourage all local businesses and community groups to explore the range of funding and grants that may be available.”

n Any businesses and community groups can explore the range of funding and grant options available in the county at www.herefordshire.gov.uk/funding