The North Yorkshire Aggregates Grants Scheme, or NYAGS for short, is a part of a national programme set up by the government to help compensate communities that are affected by the quarrying industry.
Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust has administered this scheme since 2005 in North Yorkshire helping to distribute grants to communities, organisations, private landholders and local councils to carry out a wide range of community and environmental projects.
NYAGS projects
With approximately £300,000 of funds available on an annual basis NYAGS supports all types of projects, from creating nature reserves in disused quarries, to renovating village halls and improving sports and recreational facilities.
Projects that are eligible for funding must deliver clear public benefits and have the support of their local communities. They should be within 5km of an active quarry, 2km of a dormant quarry or alongside a major quarry transport route. Priority is given to projects that encourage community participation and those that conserve and enhance the natural and built environments.
How is the scheme funded?
Funding for the North Yorkshire Aggregates Grants Scheme is provided by Central Government through the
North Yorkshire Strategic Partnership. This partnership is led by North
Yorkshire County Council and brings public, voluntary and business
sectors together to work for the wellbeing of the County’s communities.
The partnership’s primary objective is to deliver genuinely sustainable
communities through better outcomes for local people.
The North Yorkshire Strategic Partnership has provided £306,000 to projects in North Yorkshire in 20010/11 with income generated through the Aggregates Levy.
By March 2010 over 100 projects across North Yorkshire have benefited from NYAGS funding since the launch of the scheme in 2005.