Village funding increased

Plans for £25,000 discussed

Dozens of invested residents turned out at a public meeting in Chapelhall held to decide the best way the village can spend a five-figure grant.

The gathering at the senior citizens’ centre was hosted by Airdrie South councillor Paul Di Mascio, who revealed that the Coalfields Regeneration Trust charity had increased its initial generous funding by £5000, meaning £25,000 is on its way to the village.

Mr Di Mascio, who secured the grant from the trust, told the Advertiser: “I was delighted to see the turnout from the community at this initial meeting.

“A community action plan will be developed with the help of villagers in order to utilise both the current grant funding, as well as supporting further grant applications in Chapelhall.

“I was also delighted with the confirmation that the grant funding will increase by £5000, taking it up to £25,000.”

Mr Di Mascio added: “The process has now begun and a steering group will oversee things.

“There is, however, still time to get involved in the steering group should you wish to share your ideas, or simply come along and get more information.

“The next update, with a short presentation on the process for grant applications and an explanation on the entire process, will be held at the beginning of the next Chapelhall tenants’ and residents’ association meeting, taking place on Wednesday, December 13, at 7pm.

“At this meeting, the survey document will be released with a number of hard copies going into the community and an online version going live.”

The decision- making process on spending the grant will see regular steering group meetings held while “all of the data is collated”, and culminates at the end of February with a community open fun day with family-themed activities.

Mr Di Mascio said: “At the fun day, we will look for the community to provide feedback on the ideas already presented.

“The funding wi l l be released in March, allowing projects to start.

“However, things will not end there as the Coalfield Regeneration Trust have also committed to working with the community over a fiveyear period.

“Should anyone be unable to attend the scheduled meetings, they can either come along to one of my local surgeries or contact me direct via email at dimasciop@northlan.gov.uk.”

The funding will be released in March

All smiles Mr Di Mascio was thrilled by the extra £5000 grant