A new rural strategy for the East Riding of Yorkshire has been launched, which will continue to raise the profile of rural issues and support positive, sustainable rural development in a challenging economic climate.
The strategy and its accompanying action plan were launched at an event at Tickton Grange, Beverley, with the overarching goal that ‘people of all ages can live, work and thrive in the rural East Riding, which is itself, vibrant and sustainable.’
The event was attended by more than 50 rural business and community representatives as well as Councillor Jane Evison, cabinet portfolio holder for economic investment and tourism at East Riding of Yorkshire Council and Sir Ian Mcdonald of Sleat, chairman of the East Riding of Yorkshire Rural Partnership.
Of the strategy, Councillor Evison said: “The East Riding is a very rural authority and it is so important that we continue to work closely with local communities and businesses.
“The council and its rural team look forward to working with its partners and the wider community to deliver the rural strategy and action plan, which will be updated annually to ensure they remain relevant.”
Working closely with the East Riding of Yorkshire Rural Partnership, which is made up of various organisations with rural interests at heart, the strategy will support rural businesses, the rural landscape and heritage, the food and farming sector, local community development and the maintenance of services and facilities to meet local needs. It will also ensure that the needs of the rural East Riding are raised at the local, regional and national levels, as appropriate.
Delegates at the launch heard presentations from a number of local organisations, including the Burton Pidsea Better Transport Group and the Vale of Snaith Action Group. Both groups have sought to work proactively in the local rural community to provide community facilities or improve existing facilities.
Sir Ian added: “I am delighted to see the launch of this new rural strategy and the continued support given by East Riding of Yorkshire Council in addressing, through partnership working, the challenges and opportunities facing our rural areas.”
The East Riding Rural Strategy 2016-2020 and the action plan is available at www.eastriding.gov.uk/council/plans-and-policies/other-plans-and-policies-information/rural-policy/
