A CUMBRIAN council has been praised for supporting rural business by helping set up a local enterprise hub.

Creating a thriving high street in Kendal and other rural towns is a key Council Plan priority for South Lakeland District Council.

Approval to create a new business 'hub' by refurbishing offices at 124 Highgate, Kendal, was granted by the local authority's cabinet on Wednesday (24 June).

The refurbished building will provide training suites and office accommodation and create an enterprise centre as part of the Defra-funded Rural Growth Network.

The enterprise centre will provide 6-12 offices available to let, create 20-35 new jobs on site and provide multi-use space for meetings, training, networking and seminars.

Local MP Tim Farron, who represents the Westmorland & Lonsdale constituency, said: "This is great news and I want to congratulate the council for being bold and backing business.

Mr Farron hopes to become leader of the Liberal Democrats.

He added: "I have long said that South Lakeland is the business heart of Cumbria and this hub is another concrete step we are taking locally to support businesses and start-ups."