PARTS of North East Lincolnshire have been earmarked for extra help to boost businesses and create jobs.
The Government has revealed which parts of the UK have won assisted area status – and eight wards in North East Lincolnshire are among them.
Those areas which will benefit include Croft, East Marsh, Freshney, Immingham, Sidney Sussex, West Marsh and the Wolds.
The assistance will cover the next European Union funding period from 2014 to 2020.
Business Minister Michael Fallon said: "Assisted Area status can be a shot in the arm for growth and jobs across the UK.
"It makes local businesses eligible to bid for additional funding and support that can help them to create jobs, invest in new premises or machinery, develop and grow.
"We listened carefully to local groups to identify places where regional aid can have the biggest impact and help to rebalance the economy.
"The regeneration of a range of industrial centres, coastal and urban areas has been given a boost today."
Eligible areas were selected based on their economic need and economic opportunity.
Places with the potential for business growth were favoured.
Grimsby joins Portsmouth, Derby, Huddersfield, Leeds and Manchester as one of the latest areas to be announced.
A significant part of the Isle of Wight has also been added for the first time.
The government's assisted areas map is still subject to European Commission approval and is expected to take effect on July 1.
Previously Cleethorpes MP Martin Vickers has welcomed the inclusion of wards in his constituency for assisted area status.
He told the Telegraph earlier this year: "This will be welcomed locally.
"It is well known the problems we have, particularly in the East Marsh in Grimsby and the north end of Cleethorpes, so it is good news that this need has been recognised by the Government and I welcome any additional support that can be provided."
The announcement came as it was revealed that 210 people had applied for just five part-time jobs at Cafe Rush, a new carvery at Freeman Street Market.
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