A PLEA was made this week for farmers in Swaledale and Arkengarthdale to get involved in a new partnership scheme.

The Two Dales Partnership plans to seek European funding to help all who live and work there but, while there has been a good response from the rest of the community and businesses, organisers are concerned by a lack of input from farmers.

Mrs Jane Davies, press officer for the partnership, said she was concerned that they should not be left out.

"The partnership offers a real opportunity to attract substantial funds to help and support all sectors of the economic life of Swaledale and Arkengarthdale, of which the farming sector is a major part," she said.

The partnership has already received a lot of ideas from other sections of the communities and will draw up a report to submit for European Objective 2 funding.

It feels, however, that it is important that the entire community has an input to make the submission truly representative and thereby improve its chances of success.

"Farmers are such a big part of the economy here and we do want to put forward their views and ideas," said Mrs Davies, who runs the Garden House Pottery business with her husband.

"It would be such a shame if other sections benefited and they missed out," she said.

A recent meeting of the partnership was held at the Punch Bowl inn, Low Row. Apart from regular members, it was attended by district councillors and members of the Yorkshire Dales national park.

Mrs Davies stressed that any ideas and schemes put forward which might not qualify for Objective 2 funding could be directed to other sources with the help of other agencies.

She repeated her plea for farmers to make contact.

Any farmer, active or retired, who feels able to help the group should contact Mr David Trusson on 884474, Mrs Liz Smith on 884655, Mr Richard Good on 884353, Mr Raymond Alderson on 886292 or Mrs Jane Davies on 884648.

Alternatively, they are invited to attend the next meeting of the partnership, which is in the Punch Bowl on Tuesday, August 15, at 7.30.