Talks begin on proposed countryside scheme

Speculation has been growing over the future of the LEADER programme which has provided a massive boost to rural projects in North Yorkshire after the current programme ended. However yesterday it was revealed public talks will shortly begin after the Government granted the project £36,000 to draw up more plans although a new programme will not be in place until 2015 if the proposals are accepted.

Four public consultations are being held to highlight the needs of local residents, communities and businesses and identify those the project may be able to help. The latest proposed project will focus more on economic growth.

Peter Spencer, LEADER executive group chairman, said: “The new LEADER programme is an exciting prospect with the potential to create many opportunities for our area. To ensure it delivers the maximum impact however, we need input and ideas.”

Public talks will be held at: Hovingham Village Hall, February 18, 2pm–4pm; Loftus Co-op Building, February 20, 2pm–4pm; Burniston Village Hall, February 25, 2pm–4pm and the Civic Centre, Northallerton, March 4, 6.30pm-8.30pm. To book a place email: [email protected]. Ideas can also be submitted via an online survey at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/NYMCHLEADER.

The previous programme ran from 2008 to 2013 and covered the North York Moors National Park, the Howardian Hill Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, East Cleveland and the northern part of the Vale of Pickering. It saw £5.3m invested in a number of projects. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) distributes the cash from the European Commission.

Proposals are due to be submitted to Defra later this year.