Welsh government invests in local community projects

24 community projects across Wales have been awarded a share of over £1.78m in funding by the Welsh government.

The Community Facilities Programme funds well-used amenities to improve sustainability, providing opportunities for local people as part of their daily lives.

The latest awardees of up to £250,000 include projects to refurbish chapels and libraries, and create community hubs.

The minister for social justice, Jane Hutt, said: ‘As always it is fantastic to see such a range of projects and organisations from across Wales benefitting their local communities thanks to this funding.

‘After the last 20 months and now more so then ever, our communities and the wonderful facilities within them are centres for bringing people together and building back a stronger, fairer Wales for all.’

The Enbarr Foundation has been awarded £237,000 to renovate the iconic John Summers Clock Tower in Deeside, pictured,  developing it into a community space for all.

Director, Vicki Roskams, said: ‘Despite the extraordinary challenges Enbarr and the community have faced during the past 18 months, community spirit and the resilience of Welsh people has shone through.

‘With this critical funding we are hoping to renovate and refurbish the basement of the iconic Grade II John Summers Clock Tower to create a community space and heritage skills centre to support local growth, skills and entrepreneurship, as well as developing a health and well-being centre. Without this much needed grant from the Welsh Government, our years of planning would have been put on hold for even longer.’

Gresford Community Library, which serves a group of villages near Wrexham, has been awarded almost £25,000 to make its premises more energy efficient.

Director and trustee, Jan Jones, commented: ‘Gresford Community Library is a small charity entirely managed by volunteers. We provide all the typical library services and, if people want something we don’t have, we can request books etc from across the region. Locals tell us we’ve helped to keep them going during the COVID restrictions with our books and jigsaws, making life a little more bearable.

‘We’re delighted and very grateful to Welsh Government Community Facilities Programme for their support. We can now get rid of our ancient, gas-guzzling boiler and switch to something altogether greener and more efficient. For the first time we will be able to look forward to a warmer winter, without the fear of crippling gas bills and wasted carbon.’

Photo supplied by Welsh government