Bottoms up for LEADER

What is characteristic about LEADER? The main feature of the programme is that it is supposed to be "bottom up". It assumes that local communities know best what works for them and they should decide on solutions, not consultants "helicoptered in" from outside.
What the programme is supposed to deliver is

• Increasing the ability of the target rural population to fully engage in their communities
• Improving access to facilities for the most isolated rural communities
• Enhancing social inclusion through recreational opportunities with a specific emphasis on young people
• Protecting and realising the full potential of the natural and built environment
  

LEADER assumes that local communities will know the best way of doing these things. The programme aims to spend just over £2million in rural Worcestershire communities between now and 2013.
The application for the funding will be appraised by Advantage West Midlands and we hope to have grants available soon. While we wait for approval, your community can be thinking about what would make a difference where you are