A NON-PROFIT making company is being established to handle up to £4 million worth of European funding which could be coming to the Settle region over the next six years.

Solicitors are in the process of setting up The Settle Region Development Company Ltd, which will deliver funds to support ideas contained in the Settle area's Community Investment Prospectus (CIP).

After two years and following mass consultation in the form of public meetings and surveys, the final draft of the Settle CIP has been produced. It contains the ideas and dreams of local people on how to boost the area's sporting and leisure facilities, the economy, environment and transport.

Originally, a steering group was formed by local volunteers. However, with the proposals in place the group has been advised to set up a company to deal with the potential influx of European funding, which will hopefully be on its way to support the projects.

The company's three directors are Ann Harding, Tom Algie and Martin Lewton - all well-known personalities in the Settle area.

Mrs Harding said: "Any finance we get will be allocated in line with our proposals in the CIP. But no allocation will take place until the community can demonstrate to the funders that a well constituted body is ready to accept funds and is able to deliver them to the right people on the ground and is able to monitor responsibly how the money is spent.

"Really it is quite amazing what is out there, and available, and we hope that we are now in the best possible position to throw out our net and trawl some in."

Proposals in the prospectus include a £1 million sports hall, one of the most popular proposals listed and one of the most advanced, with a bid for funding due to be sent to Sports England. It would be built behind the swimming pool on land owned by North Yorkshire County Council.

Other proposals include:

o The Dales Environmental College, establishing the North of England's first specialist environmental and technical college at Settle High School. It is hoped there will be a community farm, a farm visiting scheme, a nature reserve and the UK's first Fair Trade and organic school canteen.

o A cyber caf.

o Regular arts festivals.

o A mobile cinema, with screen and projection facilities provided for use in local village halls.

o The Ribblesdale Signpost, a central office and radio station offering information on everything from jobs and accommodation to health and housing and linked to the Tourist Information Centre and Citizen's Advice Bureau.

o A Heritage Centre in association with the North Craven Buildings Preservation Trust.

o A Dales Recycling Centre.

o Planting woodland with the use of forestry horses and the creation of a sawmill.

Controversially, the group is also looking at banning cars from Settle Market Place. Instead it would be planted with trees and flowers with a performance area and seating.

To improve transport the group backs steps to improve rail links to Manchester from Hellifield and proposes bus connections from Giggleswick Station. There is also a scheme to build on existing community transport provided by local organisations.

Copies of the prospectus have been circulated around the area and anyone wanting further information can contact Mrs Harding on 01729 823155 or by e-mail on ann.harding@homebankplc.com

Responses are ideally needed by November 16.