Assembly grants £1.2m to support Gwynedd communities

LABOUR Assembly Members Joyce Watson and Rebecca Evans have welcomed news that the Welsh Government will fund seven community projects in Gwynedd worth nearly £1.2 million.
The projects will each receive a share of £1,192,998.88 to improve public spaces and refurbish community venues so that they can be put to good use by local groups.
Joyce Watson AM (Mid and West Wales) said: “I’m delighted that so many projects in Gwynedd have been given the go ahead. The Welsh Government set aside this money to help support community life at this tough time. The projects announced today will put the money to good use and hopefully these new facilities and venues will benefit local people for years to come.”
The money has come from the Welsh Government’s Community and Activities Programme (CFAP). The Wales-wide capital grant scheme provides funding for facilities that promote regeneration and involve local people, and is open to community and voluntary groups.
Rebecca Evans AM said: “Voluntary groups are the heart and soul of our communities and it’s important that we help support them. Without proper facilities we risk losing those community ties that help to make the places we live unique and special.
“The Welsh Government recognises the importance of supporting community groups. These grants will help to ensure that local residents have the buildings, parks, community centres that help to make our communities thrive.”
In Dolgellau £101,000 will be used to renovate the derelict park near Bridge Street. The work will include removing the tennis court, widening the gateway, tarmacking the footpaths, installing new seating and renovating the building.
The village hall in Llanystumdwy, where David Lloyd George lived as a boy, will get £260,000 for refurbishments including new changing rooms and shower facilities for the local school and football teams.
The old St Mary’s Church in Nefyn will get £141,625 for its maritime museum and cultural resource centre.
Bethel memorial hall will get £294,811.88 for extensive renovation work including a new roof and floors, an extension and new toilets and changing rooms.
£155,760 will go towards developing a mountain bike and BMX track on what is now waste ground in the village of Talysarn.
£47,955 will fund the construction of a new mountaineering club hut in Beddgelert. The shelter, which will include kitchen and shower facilities, will be a base for walkers and climbers.
The village hall in Cwmtirmynach will get £191,847 to build an extension to house a new kitchen; update the toilet facilities; improve the car park; a new moveable stage with lighting; and a new entrance porch.
Social Justice and Local Government Minister Carl Sargeant added:
“These grants are not simply about improving buildings. Local clubs and centres can be the hub of the community where people, young and old, get together and enjoy social activities.
“Whether a small or large amount, CFAP funding has a beneficial impact upon Welsh communities and the day to day lives of local people. That’s why I’m pleased to see so many local groups and volunteers taking matters into their own hands and applying for grants to make their centre a better place for the whole community to enjoy.”
The Community Facilities and Activities Programme was launched in 2002 and to date has funded 875 projects totalling over £100 million. This latest bidding round will fund 44 projects totalling £7,632,816.97 over two financial years.