Public information sessions for the Village Renewal Measure of the Rural Development Programme will be held in the coming weeks throughout the North East Area, Moyle council has announced.

The funding is targeted at the rural areas within the Ballymena, Ballymoney, Coleraine, Larne and Moyle Districts.

The types of projects that may be funded include supporting small-scale infrastructure projects to develop or enhance physical resources such as village approaches, main streets, community buildings, amenity spaces and village landscapes, such as environmental type activities. Activities that will restore or enhance the historic and architectural character of rural settlements will also be considered for funding.

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Village Renewal Facilitator Caroline Carey explained: "Funding has been made available under the Village Renewal Measure for up to 75% to assist with the Regeneration of Villages. The Village Renewal Measure will welcome preliminary applications from groups either wanting to produce a Village Plan or for those who have an eligible plan to implement a project or projects. With a deadline for preliminary applications for Year 1 of the programme set for the 4th of October, it is important that interested parties have their queries answered."

For successful applicants grant assistance up to 75% of the costs, in the case of Village Plans £5,250 and for projects £62,000, is available to those who are deemed eligible and meet the criteria. It is anticipated that invited Villages will be invited to submit full applications by the end of December with projects on the ground early 2011.

(CD/KMcA)