Anglesey reaps the benefits from scheme.

PROJECTS worth a total of more than pounds 35m have either been approved or have already started under the Objective 1 programme on Anglesey.

Little wonder then the county council expresses optimism that the programme is beginning to deliver tangible results for the benefit of local individuals,businesses and communities.

``We are moving ahead,making progress,and working in partnership to ensure Anglesey derives the maximum possible benefit from the Objective 1programme,'' saidCoun Gareth W. Roberts, thecouncil's new economic development portfolio holder.

Local public and voluntary organisations have pooled their efforts and worked with the island's private sector to ensure projects are successfully developed and implemented through the Anglesey Economic Regeneration Partnership.

The council has focused on core economic development activities, utilising the programme to part fund a major pounds 1mgrant scheme called Monfenter for local businesses,and undertaking physical improvements to existing premises and building new industrial units to facilitate further economic and employment growth (Mnsafle).

Confirmation of further support from the programme for a second phase to the grants scheme is expected, whilst the funding application to develop and expand Penrhos Industrial Estate,Holyhead, will be considered by WEFO shortly.

A key project to provide broadband connection across Anglesey has also secured funding and is quickly moving a head. The Anglesey Connected project will ensure Anglesey is at the heart of the information revolution.

Enterprise agency Menter Mn has led locally on community development and environmental activities which can be part funded through Objective 1. The Monadfyw project,for instance, is enhancing local community resources while Monweithred is actively funding the further development and expansion of the social economy enterprises on the island.

In addition, theCoastal Footpath is being completely transformed,and a number of environmental habitat and species development initiatives are being undertaken.

On the skills and training side, Hyfforddiant Mn Training has proved to be one of the leading establishments in securing local participation and benefits from the regional Skills for Business and Skills for Employment programmes. Coleg Menai has secured considerable Objective 1 funds to facilitate the further development of its campus in Llangefni.

A new Health and Social Care Training Centre will be opening in September and engineering facilities are being enhanced and modernised. A further bid is also being developed to expand the services available to businesses at the Food Technology Centre.

Direct private sector access to the Objective 1 programme has been secured by Stena to expand port facilities at Holyhead. Other marine- related projects have resulted in a local business purchasing a new mussel harvesting vessel and in the development of a world class fish farm at Penmon. Both will create jobs.

A number of other projects are underway and will transform the economy and communities on the island. New projects currently being developed include the redevelopment of the Canofan Mona site on Llangefni Industrial Estate, theCeltic Gateway multi- million pound package to improve transport linkages between port and town centre in Holyhead, theMudiad Ysgolion Meithrin `Integrated Childcare Centre' in Llangefni,and the development of a new centre to meet the identified needs of one community in Holyhead.

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Broadband connections are being secured across Anglesey