MORE than £32 million is on offer to help close the gap between poverty and prosperity in rural Bucks.
The money is being offered in a new Government scheme for small-scale projects.
DEFRA (Department for the Environment Food & Rural Affairs) is inviting community partnerships in the county to apply for a slice of the cash which is aimed at identifying and addressing specific development needs.
Rural Affairs Minister Alun Michael announced the European Community initiative, called LEADER+ earlier this month and interested parties have until mid-September to apply.
Alison Parker, DEFRA's regional director for Buckinghamshire, said: "Local problems and issues in rural areas take many forms - from poor access to services such as post offices, shops, transport, health and childcare facilities to developing job and leisure opportunities for young people.
"The challenge for Buckinghamshire is to close the gap between poverty and prosperity, which lives side-by-side in many rural areas."
Applications for funding should be sent to Julie Price, LEADER+ Government Office for the South East, Bridge House, 3 Walnut Tree Close, Guildford, Surrey GU1 4GA.
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