ALMOST £500,000 is available for rural projects in two districts of East Sussex.

The WARR Partnership, covering the Wealden and Rother Districtsm said it had £450,000 to allocate under Leader RDPE funding.

While the Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE) fund officially closes in December 2013, the administration of the WARR programme will end on 31 July 2013.

To achieve this deadline, projects must complete their spend by the end of June 2013 and all remaining funds must therefore be fully allocated by the end of December 2012.

To be eligible for funding, new projects should help to achieve one or more of the WARR Partnership objectives outlined below:-

Objective 1: Capitalising on the High Quality of the Environment

Objective 2: Utilising the Woodland

Objective 3: Promoting Rural Tourism and Cultural Heritage

Objective 4: Diversifying Farming and Improving the Profitability of Land

Objective 5: Promoting Local Food Produce

Objective 6: Developing Basic Services and Improving Community Cohesion

Objective 7: Collaborating, Innovating and Sharing Services

Objective 8: Supporting micro-businesses that will create or safeguard jobs in rural areas

For for information on how to apply and to view the programme fact sheets, please visit the WARR Partnership website or telephone 01424 787400. Alternatively, email info@warrpartnership.org.uk.