Current Projects - Leader

LEADER 4 TORRIDGE & NORTH DEVON

WHAT? It is a new programme with £3.8 million grant to provide project funding and development support to improve the economy, environment and quality of life in rural areas. Support will be available for innovative, sustainable and high quality projects that meet the aim and objectives.

WHERE? The programme area includes all of rural Torridge and North Devon districts except for the five central wards that make up Barnstaple Town (Pilton, Yeo Valley, Forches & Whiddon Valley, Newport & Central Town).

WHEN? The programme was launched in December 2008 and will operate until the end of 2013. Small grant schemes for micro businesses and community organisations will be set up and publicised during 2009.

WHY? This is the Local Action part of the Rural Development Programme for England, based on Leader principles. It is funded by European grant from the Common Agricultural Policy and by Defra. It is overseen by the South West Regional Development Agency.

WHO? The programme is community led. This means it is led by a partnership of local people from the business, community, voluntary and public sectors in the Torridge and North Devon area, known as the Local Action Group. They are the decision making group.

HOW? The Local Action Group is supported by an Accountable Body which has the experience and competence to administer European and public money. This is North Devon+, who will host and employ the programme staff, as well as providing legal, administrative and financial support and advice.

THE PROGRAMME AIM

"An enlivened and enriched rural environment in transition to a low carbon economy, driven by entrepreneurial growth and a ‘can-do' culture"

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES

1. To raise and support growth aspirations of rural micro businesses

1.1 To stimulate growth in micro businesses

1.2 To improve ICT Infrastructure and usage for rural businesses

1.3 To develop community owned or managed workspaces

1.4 To increase workforce skills levels

2. To improve access to services and employment in deprived rural communities

2.1 To improve community owned facilities for local service delivery

2.2 To pilot innovative approaches to rural service delivery

2.3 To reduce barriers to training and employment for deprived communities

3. To develop the assets and resources of the high quality environment as an economic driver

3.1 To develop sustainable physical activities and access to the coast and countryside

3.2 To develop sustainable heritage/cultural activities and products

3.3 To develop skills, assets and resources to create employment in remote rural areas

4. To improve the environmental performance of communities and businesses to create a low carbon economy

4.1 To increase sustainability of communities and businesses

5. To build capacity, leadership and cooperation for sustainable community led regeneration

5.1 To increase joint working and cooperation among businesses and communities

5.2 To provide skills and knowledge to engage in regeneration projects

WHAT CAN THE PROGRAMME FUND?

The Leader 4 Torridge and North Devon Programme will fund new and innovative projects which contribute to the programme objectives and meet the needs of the area.

All projects will require some additional funding from public or private sources to match the grant. The amount of grant given to any project will vary from 10% to 70% depending on the type of activity. Applicants can be from the community, voluntary, business or public sector.

The programme will prioritise projects and activities which meet sustainable development and low carbon criteria. All applications will be subject to an independent environmental appraisal.

If you have a project idea and would like to submit an application for funding from the Leader 4 Programme, please complete an Initial Project Outline Form. Please read the Priority Guidance downloadable document below for more detail on the eligible activities and programme priorities, before completing your Initial Project Outline.

DOWNLOADS:

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT US:

Leader 4 Torridge and North Devon
North Devon+
Caddsdown Business Support Centre
Clovelly Road
Bideford
EX39 3DX

Phone: 01237 426423
Fax: 01237 426428
E-mail: leader4@northdevonplus.co.uk
Website: www.leader4.org