LEADER Programme Launched

THE YORKSHIRE DALES LOCAL ACTION GROUP LAUNCHES LEADER
 
There is now the opportunity for local people in the Yorkshire Dales area to directly benefit from LEADER funding that has been secured from Yorkshire Forward as part of the Rural Development Programme for England. The Yorkshire Dales Local Action Group is pleased to announce that the LEADER programme is now open for applications and more information can be found in the "Call for Projects - 2009" booklet (PDF 1,850KB)
 
The Yorkshire Dales LEADER Local Action Group has £2.4 million to deliver regeneration activity over the next five years. The decisions about where the funding is spent is to be very much in the hands of local people. The Local Action Group, of over 50 individuals representing the interests and communities of the Yorkshire Dales, will provide a steer, with a Management group of 16 appointed and elected members making decisions on where the funding is allocated.
 
Key priorities for the area are around creating stronger communities through innovative community service provision, capitalising on the environment, and encouraging economic growth and employment. Funding and support is also available for collaborative projects linking with other UK groups and Europe.
 
In partnership with North Yorkshire County Council, the Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust (YDMT) is managing the LEADER programme through Project Co-ordinator Rima Berry. David Sharrod, Director of the YDMT Management Team, said "The Local Action Group has done a fantastic job in guiding and launching the Yorkshire Dales LEADER programme. The commitment of all those involved and the strength of the LEADER partnership clearly demonstrates support for the LEADER approach to economic development in the Dales. One of the biggest benefits of LEADER is its capacity to support innovative and multi-functional solutions, be it through provision of sustainable rural community services, cultural development or environmental enhancement. It is a great opportunity for communities to develop initiatives that are relevant and specific to their needs."
 
Potential project applicants should first contact the Co-ordinator to discuss their projects. The first areas the Local Action Group will look to fund through the LEADER approach will be; improving and retaining community service provision, research supporting the community and sustainable rural businesses, development and enhancement of village infrastructure and actions conserving the culture, heritage and environment.
 
More details on the LEADER programme priorities and what the programme will achieve for our area can be found on the YDMT website (ydmt.org). If you are interested in the work of the Yorkshire Dales Local Action Group please contact the Co-ordinator on 015242 51002 or email rima.berry@ydmt.org .
 
 
Note to News desk
 
For more information, please call Rima Berry on 015242 51002 or email rima.berry@ydmt.org .
 
1. The Yorkshire Dales LEADER Local Action Group is a multi-agency partnership which brings together representatives from voluntary sector organisations, public bodies and private businesses working in the Yorkshire Dales LEADER area. Key  agencies include the YDMT, YDNPA, Rural Action Yorkshire, Nidderdale AONB, Harrogate Borough Council, Hambleton District Council, Richmondshire District Council, Craven District Council and North Yorkshire County Council .
 
2. The Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust (YDMT) is a charity, formed in 1997 to support the environmental, social and economic well-being of the Yorkshire Dales. Since 1997 Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust has undertaken more than 700 conservation, heritage and education projects worth over £16 million and has recruited over 35,000 supporters.
 
The Trust's current work includes:
  • Administration of the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority's Sustainable Development Fund, North Yorkshire County Council's North Yorkshire Aggregates Levy Scheme and the Grassroots Grant Scheme.
  • Hay Time project - a five year project set up in 2006 aiming to conserve, enhance and restore species-rich, traditionally managed hay meadows in the Yorkshire Dales and North Pennines AONB.
  • Dales Woodland Restoration A four year scheme aiming to plant thousands of native broadleaved trees, restoring woodlands over a total area of around 300 hectares.  This scheme has received funding from various sources including YDNPA, Sita, Forestry Commission and Natural England's 'Countdown 2010 fund'.

3. 'LEADER' is an initiative for assisting rural communities to improve the quality of life and economic prosperity in their local area. The funding is being made available through the Rural Development Programme for England, which is jointly funded by Defra and the European Union, and is managed by Yorkshire Forward in the Yorkshire & Humber region. LEADER is an acronym for "Liaison Entre Actions pour le Développement de l'Economie Rural3 (Linkages between rural economic actions and activities).