Cash-strapped agricultural shows in Shropshire are being thrown a financial lifeline just weeks after the county’s biggest such event went bust with debts of more than £160,000, putting an end to the West Mid Show in Shrewsbury.

Shows, some of which are struggling in the recession, are being given support with a new grant on offer from Advantage West Midlands.

It comes just weeks after the organisers of West Mid Show, the West Midlands Agricultural Society, announced they were going into voluntary liquidation.

The show been run for more than 120 years.

Strategic Investments Grants (SIG), designed for large scale and collaborative projects, are being made available to help improve the sustainability of the region’s showgrounds.

Organisers of Shropshire events such as the Burwarton Show, near Bridgnorth, and The Minsterley Show, could be eligible to apply for the funding.

But it has come too late for the West Mid Show, the county’s premier two-day agricultural show. A creditors meeting is due to take place next week.

Mandy Seedhouse, of chartered surveyors Berrys at Shrewsbury, said the grants could make a difference to local shows.

She said: “Some shows have suffered financially in recent years, including the region’s own West Mid Show, and the new SIG aims to contribute resources to stem the decline of agricultural shows, enabling them to meet changing needs and heightened consumer expectations.”

The grant is open to charities and agricultural societies as well as councils acting on their behalf and the grant rate is up to 100 per cent of eligible costs.

“The grant could pay for items such as infrastructure costs including refurbishments, new build and access, equipment such as holding pens, signage, marketing and technical support to improve the quality of the services.

“Applicants will have to demonstrate a need and demand for the show and prove that their proposed solution meets this need and demand, and also that it will lead to long term financial and environmental stability.”

Further details from www.advantagewm.co.uk or contact Mandy Seedhouse on (01743) 271697.

By Russell Roberts