Richard Leafe: 'Make the most of our opportunites'
The boss of England’s biggest national park is hoping for a bounce from the London Olympics in what he sees as a tough year for business.
Lake District National Park Authority Richard Leafe wants to use the Olympics to showcase what he calls a world-class attraction and boost business in the national park during difficult economic times.
In his Christmas and New Year address Mr Leafe, a keen outdoor enthusiast who has spent much of his recent leisure time skiing on Raise, said: “We need to make sure we make the most of our opportunities.
“The Olympics is obviously going to be the big event of 2012 and I think there’s a great opening for us all to ensure that the national park gets it share of attention.
“When the Olympic torch passes through the Lake District on 21 June, the relay – and the evening spectacular Lakes Alive arts event on the Glebe at Windermere, which the national park is proud to sponsor – will put national media attention on us and hopefully tempt more people to come here and holiday at home in what is the nation’s Adventure Capital.”
Priorities for 2012 include using the national park’s development management service and its business task force to support local businesses.
He also wants to support farmers gain access to extra funds to secure financial viability for farming communities and improve wildlife prospects in the national park, and use the recent public consultation to ensure more affordable houses for local people are built in the national park.
Mr Leafe, who counts fellwalking, climbing and mountain biking among his other outdoor activities, added: “Communities throughout the national park have shown me time and time again how – in difficult times especially – they always rally together to achieve the best outcome for this stunning environment.
Sir Chris Bonington, Laura Park and Jos Naylor hoist the Olympic flag on Scafell Pike
“There’s no doubt that 2012 is going to be a challenging year, but together we can all achieve great things for this area that means so much to all of us.”
The coalition Government cut funding to England’s national parks by 28 per cent.
Lake District residents, mountaineer Sir Chris Bonington and fellrunning legend Jos Naylor helped kick-start Cumbria’s Olympic campaign in 2008 when they raised the Olympic flag on the top of Scafell Pike with local runner Laura Park.
