Date posted: 23/06/12

As was expected, there is a tricky gap between people saying that they support NFLG and putting a cheque in the post. To help bridge this gap, Richard Renwick has agreed to help NFLG in its quest to secure sustainable membership. I am delighted that Richard has come on board.

Date posted: 22/06/12

The FFIS is now open for a second round of applications. The application window will close on 17th July.Grants are available for a wide range of activities in agricultural and forestry businesses. The scheme seeks...

Date posted: 20/06/12

This new scheme was launched at the end of May and it is worth being aware of it. It is designed for “community groups” to seek to improve and increase access in their local areas, with the objective of assisting local...

Date posted: 15/06/12

The Northumberland Core Strategy, the meaty part of the LDF, is now available for consultation. The consultation will run until 15th August. It will eventually replace the old District plans. It has been a long time...

Date posted: 12/06/12

The Tyne Rivers Trust has secured funding from Defra to prepare a Catchment Management Plan as part of the Water Framework Directive delivery. A key part of the project is tapping in to local knowledge about the rivers...

Date posted: 12/06/12

It has now been confirmed that the 5 English Rural Growth Network areas will all benefit from a rural micro-enterprise grant scheme under the RDPE. Northumberland CC has submitted a bid to Defra and it is hoped that the scheme will begin during the summer.

Date posted: 12/06/12

The majority of the rural North East is covered by a LEADER group. LEADER is part of the RDPE and provides funding for socio-economic projects. It is associated with social regeneration, but the current LEADER programme does also have an economic objective, which tends to be under utilised...

Date posted: 12/06/12

The Forestry Commission has opened the above for applications. Strangely, for the world of grant schemes, funding has actually increased significantly. The basic planting grant for both broadleaves and conifers has increased by £1000/ha, to £2800/ha and £2200/ha respectively...

Date posted: 12/06/12

Following last summer’s hiatus regarding roadside advertising, Northumberland County Council did review its policy. This review is now complete and can be found at http://www.northumberland.gov.uk/default.aspx?page=13407 

Date posted: 12/06/12

Community Action Northumberland is working with community groups across the county to help deliver cheaper heating oil. Local groups will work with the county co-ordinator, who will be able to negotiate bulk buying discounts on a monthly basis. Early reports are that savings of £25-75 are being achieved on a 500l delivery. The scheme costs £20 to join. For further information and to register go to http://www.ca-north.org.uk/oil  or call 01670 500812.

Date posted: 12/06/12

8.00am 20th June The Cube, Barrack Rd, Newcastle.
This free seminar will focus on managing absence and disability issues in the workplace. To register, contact Rachel.watson@sintons.co.uk or call 0191 226 3732.