The Rural Development Plan for Wales 2007-2013 (RDP) financed by the Welsh Assembly Government and the European Union, is a strategy aiming to make Wales a better place to live and work - and for the first time, Caerphilly county borough is set to reap the rewards of this exciting programme!
Following a launch at the historic Llancaiach Fawr, the new Caerfilli - Cwm a Mynydd Partnership has been formed to roll out a fantastic range of innovative rural projects across the County Borough under the banner of the RDP.
The partnership has already successfully attracted £3.2 million by working with local organisations and community groups to develop these projects.
So what is the RDP all about?
The Caerphilly County Borough is a surprisingly rural area, with over 75% of the county borough classified as such.
The RDP has been developed to help us all improve the quality of life for people living in rural areas. We can achieve this by looking after the environment, creating more highly skilled jobs and supporting local community projects, as well as tackling serious rural issues which affect many people in rural areas, such as accessing basic services and low wages.
What will it be doing in Caerphilly?
A team of dedicated officers from Caerphilly’s Countryside and Landscape Service will be delivering 5 of the programme’s 11 brand new and exciting projects. These will be improving local access to the countryside, promoting healthy activities, helping to develop small rural businesses, improving our natural environment, supporting legal use of Caerphilly’s common land, and creating a new local timber supply - basically using local wood to make local products!
Who will it help?
Across the county borough, Caerphilly’s rural communities will be benefitting from these projects, which have now been approved for funding.
These rural wards, as designated by the Welsh Assembly Government, have qualified for support:
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Aber Valley
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Argoed
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Bedwas, Machen and Trethomas
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Crumlin
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Darran Valley
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Llanbradach
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Maesycwmmer
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Moriah (Rhymney)
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Nelson
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New Tredegar
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St. Cattwg
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St James
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Twyn Carno
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Ynysddu
A further 5 wards will also be considered for support:
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Aberbargoed
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Abercarn
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Newbridge
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Penyrheol
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Pontlottyn.
The programme will be running until the end of February 2011.
Contact Details
For further information about this programme please contact Countryside & Landscape Service:
Tel: 01443 838632
E-mail: countryside@caerphilly.gov.uk
New Opportunities for Funding Rural Areas in Caerphilly
The second phase Caerffili Cwm a Mynydd Partnership Fund 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.
If your organisation has an idea that fits with one of the activities below, please let us know.
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Strengthening Caerphilly’s rural industries including farming, forestry and tourism and encouraging a ‘buy local’ attitude
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Safeguarding and where appropriate enhancing the rural environment and heritage including maximising the opportunities presented by the growth in the hospitality/tourism sector
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Promoting and enabling greater access to services and amenities for communities in rural areas
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Improving the physical environment within rural communities through village restoration and improved community amenities
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Encouraging and promoting ‘rural entrepreneurship’ (including social enterprise)
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Strengthening rural communities through community capacity building and empowerment
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Addressing the issues relating to rural skills and employment opportunities via a training project.
Cwm a Mynydd Eligible Wards Map (pdf 291k)
Cwm a Mynydd Selection Criteria (pdf 68k)
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.
Expressions of Interest Form (Word 296k)
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 please email rdp@caerphilly.gov.uk or phone 01443 864214.
