Time is running out for caretaker funding

[News Guru]

Parish councils within the North York Moors, Coast and Hills LEADER area are reminded that they have just a few days left to get their applications in for a parish caretaker. The LEADER programme can provide funding towards the first three years of a caretaker scheme (starting in April 2010) but the deadline for applications is 18 November 2009.

Caretakers can either be employed by the parish council or could be self-employed and the work contracted to them. They can carry out regular maintenance work around the parish such as grass cutting, drainage clearance, vegetation control, litter picking and small scale improvement and maintenance projects. Caretakers can also provide a useful source of information and advice for residents and visitors.

The LEADER programme can fund 75% of the costs in year one, 50% in year two and 25% in year three. It is expected that the remaining costs will be covered by the parish council or other sources of match funding. Parish councils will have another opportunity to apply for funding in Autumn 2010. There will be no funding available from LEADER after 2013.

Mike Horrocks, North York Moors, Coast and Hills LEADER Programme Manager, said:

“Several villages already employ the services of a caretaker and have found a noticeable improvement in the general appearance of the area as well as a feeling of security and safety among residents. LEADER funding is available to help other communities get a scheme off the ground but we ask that parishes also give some thought to the long term sustainability of their project”

Further information on the caretaker scheme and how to apply is available at www.moorscoastandhills.org.uk

The North York Moors, Coast and Hills LEADER Programme is a partnership of local organisations, community groups and individuals who have secured £3.1 million in total from Defra and the European Union through Yorkshire Forward and One North East as part of the Rural Development Programme for England.