RURAL parishes in East Lancs are only just surviving when it comes to facilities such as village shops and GP surgeries, according to two new surveys.

The Rural Development Commission reports claim that indicators used by the Government and policymakers to allocate expenditure overlook disadvantaged countryside areas. And it blames Government policymakers for ignoring the problems.

The reports highlight low income, poor job opportunities and an acute shortage of affordable housing as the main characteristics of rural disadvantage.

Poor provision of essential services is also identified, with 29 per cent of rural parishes in Lancashire having no general store and 47 per cent no daily bus service, slightly below national average.

Andy Ashcroft, the Ribble Valley Council's economic development officer, said the signs of rural deprivation were everywhere to be seen.

"Village pubs are closing down because they are considered no longer economically viable, but in many parishes they are the primary social venue. "There are three outstanding applications in the Ribble Valley alone to turn pubs into housing. At the same time, village halls are often dilapidated and no longer act as a community focus.

"Lancashire might fare slightly better than the national average for certain facilities, but remedial action needs to be taken to ensure that we don't fall behind.

"If we don't act, rural areas could overtake the cities as key areas of concern," he said.

Mr Ashcroft is backing the Rural Development Commission's call for changes to the Government's poverty indicators to take better account of rural areas.

"Rural areas are losing out on essential programmes and funding," said Development Commission chairman Miles Middleton.

"Policymakers must recognise that poverty and social exclusion are not just urban problems.

"The peace and tranquillity of the countryside brings pleasure to most of us, but can mean isolation and disadvantage for many country people."

Copies of the reports are available from the commission's Salisbury HQ on 01722 432773.

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