Government department Defra is providing additional funds to 30 of the nation's 64 Leader schemes including the North York Moors, Coast and Hills programme which has received the second highest award.
Following the announcement, applications are now being invited to fund new community-led projects of up to £30,000. In particular, projects are being sought that aim to raise awareness of what the area offers visitors, reduce a community's carbon footprint, retain or improve local services or provide facilities or activities for young people.
In the past three years, the North York Moors, Coast and Hills programme has committed £2.3 million of Rural Development Programme for England funding to more than 50 projects in the North York Moors, Howardian Hills, Cleveland Hills and Vale of Pickering. Match-funding brings the total invested in these rural areas to nearer £5 million.
CINDER TRACK
Funded projects include a cinder track improvement team working to improve access along the old Scarborough to Whitby railway line and a ground source heat pump at Gilling East village hall.
Peter Spencer, chair of the North York Moors, Coast and Hills Leader executive group, said: "I am delighted that, thanks to the hard work of all involved, we are able to support more community-led projects that will make a real difference to the quality of life and economic prosperity of those living in the wider North York Moors area.”
There will be two rounds to allocate the additional funding. The first closes on 27 June and the second on 26 September, this year.
Further information on the process and how to apply is available at www.moorscoastandhills.org.uk/funding-applications. People can also discuss their ideas by calling Mike Horrocks or Amy Thomas on 01439 770657 or emailing leader@northyorkmoors-npa.gov.uk.
Communities with smaller projects of £5,000 or less are reminded that funding is still available under the small scale enhancement schemes.
What area does the Moors, Coast and Hills LEADER Programme cover?
The area is made up of the North York Moors National Park, the Howardian Hills AONB, the rural part of Redcar and Cleveland (East Cleveland) and the northern part of the Vale of Pickering.
If a project is based outside the LEADER area there may still be a possibility that it can be supported, provided that the benefit it provides is for people inside the LEADER area.
