COMMUNITY Panels are continuing to invest in vital grass roots projects in Cumberland communities.
The Fells and Solway panel recently met and agreed funding for projects ranging from a website to a memorial garden.
Silloth on Solway Sports Association was awarded £4,000 towards installing a fitness trail next to the promenade, near Skinburness Road.
Watchtree Nature Reserve was awarded £7,000 towards boardwalks in their Education Zone. Visits to this muddy area are increasing and the boardwalks will conserve and regenerate this part of the reserve.
Holme Abbey Parish Council received £3,500 towards creating a garden with accessible seating in Abbeytown. It will include two raised planters which the Eco Church will maintain. Two pieces of historical farm machinery will also be displayed there.
Wigton Burial Joint Committee received £4,000 towards improving the entrance to Wigton Cemetery.
Blencogo and District Village Hall Committee was awarded £3,000 towards buying Blencogo Village Hall from the Diocese of Carlisle. This popular village hall is used by around 175 people each week, but changes to the terms of a new lease meant buying the hall was the only way to keep it operating. The investment is dependent on additional funding being agreed by other organisations, including the Community Ownership Fund.
Wigton Theatre Club received £2,500 towards CCTV at the John Peel Theatre in Wigton. The club has recently suffered vandalism and the police suggested the cameras to prevent further instances.
The panel also noted other investments – less than £1,500 – which had been agreed separately:
- £1,000 to Friends of St Cuthbert’s School towards improving their outdoor space.
- £500 to Holme East Waver Parish Council towards developing a website.
- £550 to Richmond Hill Primary School towards road safety pavement signs.
- £1,320 to Kirkbampton Parish Council towards a bus shelter for Little Bampton.
- £1,180 to Kirkbride Bowling and Tennis Club towards energy efficient LED lighting.
The Chair of Fells and Solway Community Panel, Cllr Tony Markley, said: "These projects show a great range of community provision, and we are lucky to have so many community organisations keen to make life better for our residents. I look forward to seeing these projects move forward and make a difference."
Cllr Lisa Brown, Cumberland's Executive Member for Adults and Community Health, said: "Every one of these fantastic projects helps support the council’s core priority – the health and wellbeing of all.
“From creating seats where everyone can stop and chat, to helping a village hall remain at the heart of its community – these projects are concrete ways of improving lives and I’m proud that our panels are funding them.”
Community Panels distribute Cumberland Council funds to grass roots community projects, as well as bringing together funders, spotting gaps in provision and using a community network to find out what is needed in each area.
Fells and Solway Community Panel covers the wards of Dalston and Burgh, Solway Coast, Thursby, Aspatria and Wigton. You can find out more about it here: Fells and Solway | Cumberland Council.
Cumberland Council has eight Community Panels, covering the entire council area. Community group representatives wishing to find out more about Community Panel investment should visit How to apply for investment from a Community Panel | Cumberland Council. Those interested are advised to seek advice from the community development officer for their area before making a formal application. Contact details are available at Community Panels | Cumberland Council. The deadline for the next round of investment is 14 August.