New funding pot for cycling initiatives - 18/01/07
Applications are being invited for a pot of funding which aims
to put cycling top of the fitness agenda.
Through the Vale of Glamorgan Council's sports development unit,
the Active Lifestyles Community Capital Programme is offering
organisations or groups a chance to get more people active through
the popular choice of bicycles.
The new funding pot may benefit staff, customers, clients or the
general public or a group may outline plans to purchase bikes and
operate community cycling opportunities. Sports clubs might be
interested in diversifying opportunities to have a pool of bikes
for family/community hire.
This opportunity is the result of a Welsh Assembly Government
scheme to make an additional £4m capital funding available for an
innovative Active Lifestyles programme to improve health through
increased physical activity.
The funding is set to establish accessible community cycling
initiatives, encourage more people to take up cycling and improve
general health.
Applicants should demonstrate how they plan to meet scheme aims
including details of the purpose of their proposal and outlining
target groups, location, management, operational arrangements,
marketing and training. The maintenance of bikes and operation of a
hire/loan scheme should also be considered.
Successful applicants will receive 100% capital funding to
secure a ‘total cycle resource package’ that will allow them to
source, secure, purchase and operate a full community cycling
initiative.
Applications will be considered ineligible where they are deemed
to compete or disadvantage an already established commercial cycle
hire business.
A project must be for community use and include increased adult
physical activity across a wide age range, attracting increased
male and female use as well as providing opportunities for ethnic
minorities and disabled people.
The level of grant awarded will vary depending on whether the
proposal is local, regional or national and, importantly, the
number of beneficiaries.
Applications need to be submitted by 16th February, 2007, and
successful applicants must then place a works order before the end
of March. A scheme must be fully operational by the end of this
year.
Applications are welcomed from all parts of the community. For
further information or to request an application form, contact
Angela Farr on 029 2033 8267.
Alternatively, to find out more about sports development
opportunities in the Vale, telephone Karen Davies on (01446)
704614.