The Caerffili Cwm a Mynydd Partnership was formed in 2006 to implement local projects under the Wales Rural Development Plan 2007-13. This is a programme to promote the economic regeneration of rural areas funded by the European Union and Welsh Assembly Government. In the first phase of the programme, the Partnership has secured over £3 million to fund projects up to the end of 2010.
The second phase will start in 2011 and the Partnership is inviting potential project applications for consideration. Projects should stimulate the county’s economy by supporting local businesses, improving skills through training, improving basic services, or improving the quality of life here.
The programme is targeted at rural wards in Caerphilly County. The eligible wards are Twyn Carno, Moriah, Darran Valley, New Tredegar, Argoed, Crumlin, St Cattwg, Nelson, Aber Valley, Llanbradach, Maesycwmmer, Ynysddu, Bedwas, Trethomas & Machen, St James. There are an additional five wards that are described as service centres and projects can be delivered in these wards if they can show that most of the benefits will go to the rural wards listed above. The five wards are Pontlottyn, Aberbargoed, Newbridge, Abercarn and Penyrheol.
If your organisation has an idea that fits with one of the activities below, please let us know.
* Strengthening Caerphilly‘s rural industries including farming, forestry and tourism and encouraging a ‘buy local’ attitude
* Safeguarding and where appropriate enhancing the rural environment and heritage including maximising the opportunities presented by the growth in the hospitality/tourism sector
* Promoting and enabling greater access to services and amenities for communities in rural areas
* Improving the physical environment within rural communities through village restoration and improved community amenities
* Encouraging and promoting ‘rural entrepreneurship’ (including social enterprise)
* Strengthening rural communities through community capacity building and empowerment
* Addressing the issues relating to rural skills and employment opportunities via a training project.
Caerphilly County Borough Council acts as the Lead Body for the Caerffili Cwm a Mynydd Partnership. We welcome an opportunity to discuss your proposal, so please contact us. We will send you an information pack, with an Expression of Interest form for you to complete to provide details of your proposal.
The Expression of Interest is a preliminary stage to determine how well any proposal meets the criteria before a full application is invited. The completed EOI from must be returned to the European Unit of Caerphilly Council at the address given below By NOON ON THE 21st DECEMBER 2009.
Your proposal will be assessed by the Partnership to determine how it fits with the criteria. This will be done at a partnership meeting on 14th January. If successful, you will then be invited to submit a more detailed application by mid February.
For further information and an Expression of Interest form, please email RDP or phone Jayne on 01443 864214.
