RESIDENTS living in Whitby's rural areas are being asked to put their thinking caps on to come up with projects which would make a difference to their community.
More than £2.6million is available between now and the end of 2013 to fund projects – both large and small – that will benefit the rural area.
The funding is available from the North York Moors, Coast and Hills LEADER Programme, a partnership of l
ocal organisations, community groups and individuals who have secured money from Defra and the European Union through Yorkshire Forward as part of the Rural Development Programme for England.
It covers the North York Moors and Cleveland Hills, the Howardian Hills and the Vale of Pickering, along with the North Yorkshire and Cleveland Heritage Coast between Saltburn and Scalby.
Potential projects will need to demonstrate they meet one or more of 12 priorities that fall into three main themes – sustainability, conservation and enhancement, and village renewal and development.
People are encouraged to work together to address local needs, be it tackling a problem or adding to an existing service or feature.
Rather than being administered by a regional or national organisation, the decisions about where the £2.6million is spent is very much in the hands of local people.
A Local Action Group of 80-plus individuals who broadly represent the interests and communities of the North York Moors, Coast and Hills LEADER area will provide a steer with an executive of 16 appointed and elected members making decisions on where the funding is allocated.
The application process is in two stages. The first stage is the completion of a short project idea form.
Projects that fit with the priorities of the LEADER Programme will then be encouraged to submit a full application.
Help and advice is available for potential applicants.
Malcolm Bowes, chairman of the North York Moors, Coast and Hills LEADER Executive, said: “The LEADER Programme is an excellent opportunity to fund lots of different local initiatives and try new ways of tackling issues within communities.
“Think about what you would like to see happen in the area where you live – are there additional services or facilities that would make a big difference or perhaps you have a local heritage feature or some fantastic local produce that you’d like help shouting about.
“Whatever it is, we’d like to hear about it.”
The North York Moors National Park Authority is the lead partner for the LEADER programme with North Yorkshire County Council acting as the Accountable Body.
Further unformation on LEADER and its priorities, including a Project Idea Form and details of how people can join the Local Action Group can be found at www.moors.uk.net/leader
People can also email leader@north yorkmoors-npa.gov.uk or call (01439) 770657.
