Many of us think we know how our local town or community can be improved but only some of us try to develop practical ideas to get things done, and too often, such initiatives falter because of lack of funding.

Now, if you are a local community group, local business, not for profit organisation or charity which has ideas on how to improve the Greater Dartmoor area, a new organisation may be able to help you.

The Greater Dartmoor Local Environment Action Group (GDLEAF) has £1.8m of European money to invest in local projects which support economic and social well-being. It is looking for organisations operating in the Greater Dartmoor area – which extends as far south as the towns on the southern edge of Dartmoor, including Totnes, South Brent and Ivybridge – with project ideas which fall into one of three key areas.

Projects will be eligible for funding if they can demonstrate that they encourage new ways to help local businesses access markets or distribute products; or find innovative ways to help local communities improve community facilities and encourage business services; or develop projects which exploit the natural, cultural and creative heritage of the area. There is a strong theme throughout in achieving sustainable communities and addressing environmental concerns, including a small energy fund to help put environmental systems in place.

Chairman of Greater Dartmoor LEAF, Trevor Smale concludes:
‘We are all excited at the chance to help build sustainable businesses and improve community facilities in the Greater Dartmoor area, but we must also ensure that this money is invested wisely. Through securing other matched funding, the projects we support should deliver up to £4m of new development funding. The GDLEAF team is determined to ensure that the projects we support will bring tangible economic and community benefits to local people.’

Greater Dartmoor LEAF is supported by Devon Renaissance. More information on the scheme is available at www.greaterdartmoorLEAF.org or from Devon Renaissance on 01837 658643.