Skills training project wins funds to take local young people to Tr

Skills training project wins funds to take local young people to Transylvania - search begins for volunteersSouth Shropshire Council has been awarded major grant from the European Union to provide conservation skills training for young building professionals from Shropshire and Herefordshire.The Leonardo scheme provides 38000 euros (over £25,700) to cover travel and accommodation costs to destinations, which can provide unique training opportunities for young people, who can then use their skils to improve their contribution to the life of their home area.The South Shropshire project builds upon a long established link with the Saxon Villages of Transylvania, and will include conservation of the ancient walls of the fortified church of Viscri Transylvania and the repair of a 15th century timber framed barn in the village.Colin Richards, Conservation Officer for the District Council is coordinating the project in partnership with Walford College. Young building professionals interested in taking part should contact Colin or Carmen Parker on 01584 813355 or colin.richards@southshropshire.gov.uk to arrange an interview.The aim is to take out around a dozen people for two weeks between the 28th September and the 12th October, and a further two-week training project is planned for the spring of 2008.This trans-national skills training project is part of a wider scheme to attract Lottery funding for the repair of Ludlow's Town Walls, which requires skills training as a qualifying criteria.