EXACTLY how £3.7 million will be spent on projects across the county is to be announced this month.

The Worcester News reported in November that the Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership (WLEP) was awarded the smallest grant across the whole country as part of the Government’s Growing Places Fund.

However, local leaders remain upbeat and say they are ready for a busy year which they believe could be filled with “exciting opportunities”.

WLEP chairman Peter Pawsey said: “As we approach the end of our inaugural year, we are starting to see real tangible achievements ahead.

“Huge headway has been made over the last year creating our excellent LEP boards and setting out our structure, vision and strategy for growth and job creation.

“Our public and private sector partners are working well together to make a real difference to the future health and wealth of Worcestershire.

“Very encouragingly, we’ve been well over-subscribed with bids for the Government’s new Growing Places Fund, particularly from the private sector, and we expect to allocate funds to successful projects in early 2012.

“Our business agenda for the new year is extremely busy, with details of our first annual conference in February being announced shortly.

“The potential for the Worcestershire LEP is considerable and the need is extensive and widespread.”

Despite Worcestershire bucking the national trend with unemployment, including youth unemployment, falling slightly in the last three months, Mr Pawsey said there was no room for complacency.

“The macro economic challenges are significant with the euro crisis, reduced consumer demand and the high level of uncertainty.

“But we are committed to creating the best local conditions for growth and we are working with government at all levels to work through these difficult times,” he said.

“That’s why we’re moving into 2012 with a huge sense of drive and purpose with several exciting opportunities ahead.”