Cowbridge Councillors call for more community groups to apply for £200k of funding as local Scouts receive £17,000
The Vale of Glamorgan Council is appealing for community groups in Cowbridge to come forward with proposals for new community facilities or refurbishments to those that they already manage.
1st Cowbridge Scout Group was recently awarded £16,950 via the Council’s Strong Communities Grant Fund to pay for a new roof, storage area and completed redecoration of their hall as well as new tools and equipment to support their fundraising work.
With the Council due to receive £200,000 of funding as part of the S106 planning agreement linked to the new housing development to the north-east of the town local councillors have called for expressions of interest from third sector organisations, sports and community groups and voluntary groups working in the Cowbridge area.
Cllr Hunter Jarvie, Deputy Leader of the Council and ward member for Cowbridge, said: “In recent years the Vale of Glamorgan Council has become adept at not only securing significant amounts of money via S106 agreements but also at working with local communities to put these to the best use.
"By linking this work with that of the successful Strong Communities Grant Fund we have made a real difference to dozens of communities across the Vale. This is a way of working we now want to use to maximum effect in Cowbridge.”
Cllr Geoff Cox, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhood Services and Transport, said: “The work of community groups and voluntary organisations, such as the 1st Cowbridge Scouts, has a huge impact on people’s lives and investments to make them more sustainable or to help them expand their work can put them on a footing to make an even greater difference. To ensure we make the best use of the significant funding the Council has negotiated for Cowbridge, we now need more groups to come forward and talk to us about their plans.”
Pete Gardner of the scout group said: “Successful fundraising is key to the sustainability of our group. For example, we spend one month each year building and decorating wooden reindeer and snowmen which are sold at the Christmas reindeer parade. Part of the grant we have received will be used to purchase our own tools and equipment so we are no longer reliant on borrowing these from parents.
“The rest of the money will be spent on improvements to the scout hall. These will make it easier and more efficient to heat and provide storage space which will allow a wider range of local groups use the facility.
“Applying for the grant was really straightforward and the Council’s economic development team were on hand to help us at each stage in the process.”
Any community, voluntary or third sector group operating in the Vale can apply for funding via the Strong Communities Grant Fund. Initial expressions of interest can be made by contacting the Strong Communities Grant team on 01446 704636 or by email to scgfapplicatons@valeofglamorgan.gov.uk
Once these expressions of interest have been received, they will be considered, and if eligible, the Council will invite these groups to come forward with a full application.