Craven District Council : Action plan to attract more young people to Craven

The proposals include increasing the number and quality of jobs, building new homes, improving broadband and mobile phone coverage, and retaining access to local services such as primary schools and GP surgeries.

The Policy Committee recommended the allocation of £20,000 from the New Homes Bonus Reserve towards the delivery of the Action Plan. This will now need to be approved by Full Council.

Councillor Simon Myers, Lead Member for Enterprising Craven, said: “We know we are facing issues relating to the loss of younger people from Craven and the wider Yorkshire Dales. We need to attract more young people and families to the area to ensure our towns and villages survive in the future.

“Some of the elements of this Action Plan are already well underway, such as projects to enhance Grassington, and the delivery of new homes in Horton in Ribblesdale and Airton. We are also making progress with our Great Place: Lakes and Dales scheme, which has been delivering cultural projects and producing valuable insights through research.

“This plan will evolve as we identify new opportunities to help us promote Craven and the wider area as a fantastic place for young people and families to live and work.”

The Action Plan has been developed by Craven District Council, Eden District Council, Richmondshire District Council, South Lakeland District Council and the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority. Each of these partners will also contribute £20,000 to the delivery of the Action Plan.

It includes a five-year programme of measures to promote the National Park as a place to live for younger, working age households.