Chalk and Cheese programme
During 2008 applications were invited for Local Action for Rural Communities (LARC), a new funding stream through the Rural Development Programme of England. Two applications covering Dorset were awarded. Chalk and Cheese (covering West Dorset, Purbeck, Portland and parts of Weymouth) was allocated £3,100,000 whilst Sowing Seeds (covering East and North Dorset as well as southern Wiltshire) was awarded £2,850,000.
Chalk and Cheese is an independent organisation committed to developing, enhancing and celebrating the diverse cultural assets of the local area. We work with local people and businesses to cultivate opportunities for improving the quality of rural life. The Chalk and Cheese programme is funded by the European Union, DEFRA, Dorset County Council, and the district councils of West Dorset, Purbeck, and Weymouth & Portland.
Dorset County Council agreed to act as the accountable body for the Chalk and Cheese programme in its September 2008 Cabinet meeting. An external company, Dorset Squared Ltd, was originally contracted to deliver the programme but as of July 2011 Chalk and Cheese will be hosted by Dorset County Council. The Sowing Seeds programme is also being delivered by Dorset Squared Ltd but has Wiltshire Council as its accountable body.
The South West of England Regional Development Agency (SWRDA) were originally responsible for the Local Action programmes in the South West. However, due to the winding down of Regional Development Agencies as of 1 July 2011 the programme is being managed nationally by the Department of the Environment, Fisheries and Rural Affairs (DEFRA).
Since Monday 7 March 2011, there has been a temporary suspension of approvals from the South West Regional Development Agency for new Local Action projects in the South West, pending a review and reallocation of LAG budgets by DEFRA. We will update this webpage as soon this allocation is known and funding is reopened.
If you would like any further information, please visit the
Chalk and Cheese website (opens in a new window) 
.
