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Northumberland leaders are being sought to help shape the economic, social and environmental future of some of Britain’s most rural communities.
As part of the Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE), most of the county could be granted ‘Leader’ status. This is a bottom up community led approach to rural development through which Local Action Groups (LAG) will determine investment priorities.
Members are required for the Northumberland Coast and Lowlands LAG which covers the area from Berwick in the north to Lynemouth in the south and stretches west to include communities such as Belford, Alnwick and Longhorsley.
Half the places on the LAG will be filled by representatives from organisations such as local development trusts, parish councils and local authorities but approximately fifteen places are available to additional applicants with an interest in the area – either individuals or groups.
For more information, or to obtain an application form, please visit www.leadercoastandlowlands.org.uk or call the East Northumberland Regeneration Initiative (ENRgI) on 01670 863001. The closing date for applications is 12th June.
The Leader approach in the Northumberland Coast and Lowlands area is led by the Federation of Northumberland Development Trusts (FONDT), Northumberland Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) Partnership and ENRgI. It is supported by a range of organisations including local authorities, Northumberland Strategic Partnership (NSP) and Community Action Northumberland.
There are two other partnerships covering the North Pennine Dales and the Northumberland Uplands.
Vanessa Proudlock, from FONDT, said: “This is a great opportunity for people to play a truly influential part in shaping their communities. I would encourage people to think seriously about becoming a member of the LAG, to have their say on the future development of the area.”
Neil Batt, from ENRgI, added: “The Leader approach presents a significant opportunity for the Castle Morpeth coastal villages, formally known as the Rural Coalfield, which were not part of previous Leader programmes. This will allow local people far greater influence in important decision making processes.”
Mel Nicholls, Northumberland Coast AONB Officer, said: “Past Leader experience is not necessary. It is more invaluable to have a LAG that covers all the geographical, sectoral and thematic bases. It needs enthusiastic people with a good mix of skills and experience, such as project and financial management, together with knowledge of the Leader themes: Micro-enterprise development; Bio-energy; Sustainable communities; Sustainable farming and forestry; Tourism and recreation; Natural and Cultural Assets.
“It is essential they are engaged with their local communities. We are particularly keen on promoting representation from sectors identified as being under represented in previous Leader programmes. This was notably the private sector especially farming and other land-based business interests.”
For more information on LEADER visit http://www.rdpenortheast.co.uk/page/leader.cfm .
More information on Leader in the Northumberland Coast and Lowlands is available via www.leadercoastandlowlands.org.uk or by emailing info@leadercoastandlowlands.org.uk.
Media contact: Paul Dobbie at Persuasion PR on (0191) 214 0222 or email paul.dobbie@persuasion-pr.com
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