Vale of Clwyd MP Dr James Davies is keen to ensure that community groups in the area are aware that they can now bid for UK Government funding to save pubs, music venues, sports facilities, and historic buildings for the benefit of the public.
On Saturday 11th June, the second round of the £150 million Community Ownership Fund opened across the UK.
James said:
"Groups can now bid for a slice of the funding to rescue buildings and facilities in their area that could otherwise be lost forever.
"The first round of funding has already helped local people transform their communities into a more desirable place to live, work and visit. It has supported 39 projects across the UK, with three of those projects in Wales.
"Changes to the fund announced at the end of May will ensure it is more inclusive and flexible, so that more communities can benefit and more local economies are supported.
"I have already recommended the fund to three great projects in the constituency. Last month I had a meeting to discuss plans for Llandyrnog Community Shop and advised those behind the scheme that the Community Ownership Fund would be a good source of funds for the project.
"I am also supporting CPD Y Rhyl (Rhyl FC) who have submitted an Expression of Interest as part of their application for funding to secure the Belle Vue stadium on Grange Road for the Rhyl Community, via the Community Ownership Fund. I have additionally been in discussion with a steering committee to further the purchase of the Salusbury Arms in Tremeirchion as a community asset.
"I am sure there are many other great projects in the Vale of Clwyd which could benefit from this funding and I encourage all to apply."
Emyr Morris, who is leading the Llandyrnog project, said:
"Over the last few years Llandyrnog has lost so many valuable community assets and the opportunity to obtain funding to purchase the Post Office and reopen the village shop would help to regenerate the hub of the village and provide a valuable facility for the community and surrounding area for young and old alike."
Minister for Levelling Up, the Union and Constitution, Neil O’Brien MP said:
“We want to help communities across Wales save the pubs, sports clubs and historical buildings which matter most to them, and would otherwise be at risk of being lost forever.
“This is part of our plan to spread opportunity, boost local pride and level up every corner of the UK while growing the economy to address the cost of living.”
Secretary of State for Wales Simon Hart said:
“Over 170 projects in Wales have already benefitted from more than £160 million of the UK Government’s new levelling up funds, including the Community Ownership Fund.
“The money is being used for everything from major construction projects such as the plan to revitalise the seafront in Aberystwyth, to enabling local people to buy their historic pub in Llandwrog near Caernarfon.
“The Community Ownership Fund provides funding that makes a huge difference to people’s lives, refurbishing and regenerating those places that bind together our communities. I hope to see applications from right across Wales for this next round of money.”
The fund has been updated to widen eligibility criteria, including removing the requirement that assets have had a use within the last 5 years and will now consider any asset which has had a previous community use, massively expanding the projects eligible to apply. Applicants who have a minimum of a 15-year lease on an asset would now also be considered for funding. Previously, leases were restricted to a minimum of 25 years.
Applicants can submit an expression of interest by visiting: Community Ownership Fund round 2: how to express your interest in applying - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
