MORE cash is up for grabs to provide a boost for business ideas and community projects in the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

A total of £140,000 is available this financial year either to help launch schemes or to provide a much-needed extra push as they get on their feet.

The money is being supplied by the Yorkshire Dales National Park’s Sustainable Development Fund (SDF), which last year handed out just over £150,000 to 26 projects.

Andrea Burden, the park’s sustainable development officer, said: “The SDF is now in its 14th year of operation and has so far given out £2.3 million to help more than 250 projects.

“A project may only be in its early stages – just a string of ideas. That doesn’t matter because the fund is there not only to provide financial help towards the cost of physical things, like building work or equipment, but also to pay towards help and advice to turn the ideas into a reality.

“Projects should contribute in some way to looking after the national park’s natural beauty, wildlife or cultural heritage, or they should promote opportunities for the public to understand and enjoy those things – while at the same time providing some local economic or community benefit.

“We will consider all projects – whatever their size – that have been submitted by individuals, businesses, community groups or voluntary-sector bodies.”

In the last financial year, grants given out included £9,900 to the DalesBus Sunday Network, which is managed by the Dales & Bowland Community Interest Company and provides the majority of the public transport access in and around the National Park, Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the Forest of Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

A further £8,602 went towards the set-up costs of a community-owned and operated shop and Post Office in Clapham and £711 was awarded to Dent Parish Council towards the cost of resurfacing the Beech Hill car parking area in the village

People looking for cash are recommended to get in touch before they submit an application. They can do this via email SDF@yorkshiredales.org.uk or by phoning 01969 652337. Prospective applicants can also download an electronic application form and guidance notes via the website.