Yorkshire Dales LEADER Programme

What is Leader?
Leader is part of the Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE) and a mechanism to involve rural communities in the development and implementation of a local development strategy for the Yorkshire Dales.
 
The overall aim of the Yorkshire Dales LEADER Programme is to address the problems of rurality within the Yorkshire Dales through building a sustainable community and economy that capitalises on the areas internationally recognised environment, landscape, culture and heritage.
 
The LEADER Programme for the Yorkshire Dales is proposing 9 Priority Investment Themes in order to achieve this aim. These Priorities have been derived from:
  • The strength of its community but the need to address problems of rurality and accessibility to services.
  • The potential of the Yorkshire Dales to capitalised on its outstanding and internationally recognised environment, culture and heritage.
  • The need to address the weaknesses within the Yorkshire Dales economy and encourage appropriate growth.
Full details of the Proposed Priority Investment Themes and a map of the LEADER Area can be downloaded here.
 
What has happened so far?
A multi-agency Steering Group submitted an Expression of Interest in October 2007 and is consulting on the development of a Stage 2 application which if successful would give access to European Union funding for rural regeneration activity.
 
What happens next?
The Steering Group will develop into a Local Action Group (LAG) with at least 50% membership from private and voluntary and community organisations.
 
The LAG will develop the Local Development Strategy and Stage 2 application by July 2008.
 
Why should you attend a Leader event?
It is vital that communities at a local level are involved in selecting and prioritising activities in their area, this is your opportunity to have your say, be heard and shape future regeneration in your community.  There are 9 initial themes under which activities can take place and we need your views on whether these are right, what is missing, what's already happening, and what types of activities could be developed?
 
Who should attend?
Residents and Citizens, Businesses, Farmers and Enterprises, Voluntary and Community Groups, Young Farmers, WI, Village Halls, etc., Cultural and Heritage Organisations, Environmental Associations, Community Leaders, Service Providers, any individual or organisation who has an interest in contributing to the rural economic and social development of their community.
 
When are the Leader Community Consultation events taking place?
Leader community consultation events are taking place on:
  • 2nd June -  Settle Victoria Hall - 24 Kirkgate, Settle, North Yorkshire, BD24 9DX - 6.30pm - 8.30pm
  • 5th June - Middleham Key Centre - Parklane, Middleham, North Yorkshire, DL9 4RA - 6.30pm - 8.30pm
  • 11th June - Nidderdale High School - Low Wath Road, Pateley Bridge, Harrogate, North Yorkshire - 6.30pm - 8.30pm

Leader events poster 

If you know of any group or individual who would be interested in attending please let them know that they are welcome to attend. It would be helpful if you would confirm your attendance at an event.

For further information and to confirm your attendance at an event please contact:

 
Judith Bromfield
Chief Officer
Richmondshire Council for Voluntary Services
6 Flints Terrace
Richmond
North Yorkshire
DL10 7AH
 
Tel: 01748 822537
Email: judith.rcvs@virgin.net