A ‘massive opportunity’ for the area to increase participation
THE ALLOCATION of £250,000 for community projects in south Anglesey has been welcomed as “a massive opportunity” for the local area.
Fourteen communities, including two in Wales, have been selected to receive three years of funding to increase community participation and improve wellbeing as part of the 2014 Commonwealth Games legacy.
The community of Bro Aberffraw on Anglesey is one of only two in Wales to benefit, and will receive £250,000 cash bonanza.
A project group will now be set up to decide how the money will be spent, which is expected to be on projects to boost sport, the arts, culture and heritage in the area.
Fourteen is a £3.5m programme funded by Spirit of 2012, a charity set up by the Big Lottery Fund to connect events to communities across the UK – tackling disadvantage by increasing participation in sport, physical activity, culture and the arts, volunteering and social action.
The Community Foundation in Wales will now work with the Bro Aberffraw community to manage and deliver the project which will use the investment to inspire groups to celebrate the best of this community through a range of activities and initiatives designed to increase community participation and well being.
Liza Kellett, Chief Executive of the Community Foundation in Wales, said: “The Bro Aberffraw community put a really great bid together which focused on the rich local history and cultural heritage of this Anglesey community and we look forward to working with the community over the coming months and years to celebrate the legacy of the Commonwealth, Olympic and Paralympic Games.”
Welcoming the announcement, Gwynedd and Anglesey High Sherriff David Lea-Wilson said: “The future is really full of potential with this great news and it’s just the start of a journey that will bring a more sustainable, healthier, more participative local community.”
Rhun ap Iorwerth AM added: “To have been chosen as one of only two successful projects in Wales is quite special.
“I’m proud of the hard work put in by all those in the community who worked on the bid.”
Cllr Ann Griffith, said: “£250,000 is good news indeed! This is a financially deprived area that will definitely reap the benefit.
“This success has happened because the community raised to the challenge and pulled together and demonstrated that it can do this again and again for the good of its people. I look forward to being part of this legacy.”
Albert Owen MP added: “I’m delighted that Bro Aberffraw has been chosen and I’d like to thank all for the hard work of putting together the funding bid. It’s an exciting time and I look forward to seeing the project develop in the future.”