The project has been invested in by the Rural Development Programme for England and others until the end of 2013… But what then?
Where next?
That’s an important question for any grant-funded project and it needs to be addressed well before the end of the funding period to ensure any benefits the project has brought don’t just disappear. All of the trail hubs will be maintained into the future by their landowners. But what of promotion, co-ordination and potential further developments? Last week called together some of it’s original strategic partners from leisure, tourism and cycling in the South West to get their view on where we should be heading and how we can best focus, enable, compliment and enhance what others would like to achieve for cycling.
The meeting provided some clear priorities for us that we will be taking forward in a Community Interest Company. This is a not-for-profit venture that will allow to benefit the community it serves, namely residents of, visitors to and businesses in the South West, and continue to encourage off-road cycling in the region.
This is a ground breaking and exciting time for all involved with and we’re now working to ensure that the Community Interest Company provides real benefits beyond the current funded lifespan of the Project.
