North Northumberland LEADER+

LEADER+, was a project of Community Action Northumberland, being a European initiative which provided funding for innovative, rural development schemes that had been initiated by the local community.

The Local Action Group (LAG) had responsibility for the delivery of LEADER+ in North Northumberland which included making decisions on the allocation of grant aid for new projects. This group was made up of individuals from community groups and statutory agencies in the area. Supporting the LAG were a full-time Project Manager and Administrator, who offered advice and support to community groups to take a project forward.

The Leader+ programme in North Northumberland ran from 2003 – 2008.

 The programme supported 57 innovative rural development projects initiated by the local community.  The 57 grants totalled over £1.7m ranging from £1,500 to £150,000 with the average being £30,000.  The total cost of the 57 projects to which Leader+ contributed as in excess of £3.8m.

 The six key development themes were Culture, Food and Drink, Arts and Crafts, Tourism, Environment and Education.  Particular emphasis was placed on projects involving young people and women.  The programme also supported Transnational and Co-operation projects (with other Leader+ areas in Europe).

 All funding was allocated by the end of 2007 and the projects will be fully completed during 2008.   

A Celebration booklet has been produced and a hard copy is available by request fromCommunity Action Northumberland. A list of all projects supported with website information can be downloaded.   

A new Leader programme is currently being developed and information can be obtained from Community Action Northumberland. 

9 April 2008