COMMUNITY drop in sessions will take place this week for people living in rural areas of Monmouthshire and Newport to have the opportunity to shape ideas and projects for funding under the Wales Rural Development Programme from 2014 to 2020.

The two local authority areas have joined forces (to be known as the Vale of Usk) and they wish to hear from residents, businesses and community organisations about key issues and proposals across the region.

Themes that the Wales Rural Development Programme covers include business development, exploiting digital technology, developing renewable energy schemes for communities, using natural and cultural assets for sustainable, economic growth in areas like tourism and delivering local services within rural communities.

Councillor Bob Greenland, Monmouthshire’s cabinet member for innovation, enterprise and leisure said: “ In a time of exceptionally tight budgets this is a rare opportunity to discuss new investments in our rural communities which will support greater resilience and sustainability. I hope many people take the chance to have their say.”

Councillor John Richards, Newport’s cabinet member for regeneration and development, added: “Five areas in the city have recently been officially designated by the Welsh Government as eligible under the new rural development programme – Caerleon, Graig, Langstone, Llanwern and Marshfield – and they will benefit from the extra funding available from the programme.”

“I would encourage people living and working in those areas to have their say about what is important to their communities so they can fully benefit from the potential the programme offers.”

Comments and feedback on needs and priorities across the Vale of Usk area will be taken into account and will influence the final submission to Welsh Government at the end of September. A decision on the funding is due early in 2015.

Sessions will take place from 6pm until 8.30pm at Christchurch community hall tomorrow (Tues), at Mathern Athletic Hall on Wednesday, September 10 and at Usk Centenary Hall on Thursday, September 11.

In addition, drop-in sessions will be held at Usk Show on Saturday 13 September from 9am to 5pm.

For further information and to find out ways to get involved, contact Chris Jones on 01873 880666 or 07968943084 or email, chris@chrisjonesregeneration.co.uk .

A short survey can also be completed on-line at www.surveymonkey.com/s/ruralvaleofusk2020. All who complete the survey will be entered into a prize draw for tickets at the Abergavenny and Newport Food Festivals.