As part of the European Rural Parliament (ERP), PLANED in Narberth was appointed as national Champion in Wales to gather feedback on our rural services and infrastructure to form part of a report being presented to the ERP in October 2017.

The questionnaire drafted in partnership with 15 other countries in Europe is being co-ordinated by ACRE in England to ensure there is a strong voice for rural communities at the ERP and in policy making.

The European Rural Parliament seeks to express the voice of rural communities; to articulate the concerns of rural people; and to promote self-help and action, in partnership with civil society and governments.

Throughout 2017, PLANED with other groups across Europe have been preparing for the next European Rural Parliament that will be held in October by strengthening the network, enriching our evidence or issues facing rural communities, to ensure our voice is heard.

On Wednesday, September 6, Jessica Morgan and Annie Slater travelled to Yatton, Somerset, to have a discussion with European colleagues on the final report produced by ACRE from collating all questionnaire responses.

The event, organised by ACRE, provided an excellent programme, with speakers from across Europe sharing their learnings and experiences with the group. It was particularly beneficial to PLANED to hear from European partners on how they approach local solutions to rural issues which in the main correlate with the issues we are facing in Pembrokeshire, such as lack of transport, service closures and rural isolation.

This project has received funding through the Welsh Government Rural Communities - Rural Development Programme 2015 - 2020, which is funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the Welsh Government.

Funding is available to groups looking to improve their rural services and infrastructure through Arwain Sir Benfro, the LEADER team administered by PLANED. They would like to hear from you if you have an idea!

Further information about LEADER and Arwain Sir Benfro can be found on Facebook (Arwain Sir Benfro 2020).

If you have an idea, or would like further details on how to apply, contact Jess at PLANED on 01834 860965 [email protected]