The east Kent enterprise zone was set up after the withdrawal of Prizer

by political editor Paul Francis

More than 100 businesses have applied for a share of a £35m loan fund aimed at boosting jobs and growth in east Kent.

The government has allocated the money for the Expansion East Kent scheme after its decision to designate part of the area as an enterprise zone.

The zone was set up in the wake of the news that Pfizer was to withdraw from its Sandwich site.

Kent County Council chiefs, who are in charge of the scheme, say they are encouraged by the level of interest already shown since the launch last April.

It is predicted the fund could secure up to 5,000 jobs.

Under the scheme, firms in Canterbury, Thanet, Swale and Dover can apply for interest-free loans of up to £2.5m so long as they can demonstrate the money will be used to boost jobs and growth as well as benefit the local area.

Some grants that will not have to be repaid are also available.

Companies working in the scientific and research sectors, tourism and manufacturing are being targeted, with money available for buildings, land, professional fees, equipment and technology.

KCC said that to date, it had received 133 formal applications for a share of Regional Growth Fund cash and would begin the process of sifting through each one.

Cllr Mark Dance (Con), cabinet member for regeneration, said: "Most are good quality but I am conscious that a lot of bids may not be successful and we have to help them in some way if their bid is not accepted."

KCC leader Cllr Paul Carter (pictured left) said he was delighted by the interest being shown.

He said: "We will go through every process to make sure that we focus on and support the right sort of business. It is very good news."

Applications will be assessed by independent financial experts PriceWaterhouseCooper.