An outdoor gym, church hall improvements and mental health support were among the projects funded in the latest round of investments from the Fells and Solway Community Panel.
The panel, which includes Cumberland Council ward councillors and co-opted members, directs funding and support to grass roots projects addressing the particular needs of their communities.
The panel agreed the following investments:
- The Wigton-based Windmill Trust was awarded £2,100 towards training costs. It provides creative therapy to young people who are at risk of long-term mental health issues, but don’t meet the criteria for statutory support.
- Beaumont Parish Hall received £5,000 towards new doors and windows, as part of a wider refurbishment of the hall.
- Anthorn Community Association was awarded £1,000 to help improve a play area, enabling families to spend quality time together in the village.
- The Happy Mums Foundation was awarded £350 towards marketing materials for their project in Wigton. The foundation provides mental health support for mothers and mothers-to-be.
- Cummersdale School received £1,856 towards resurfacing their car park driveway. The car park is used by villagers as well as the school, and the project was jointly funded by the community panel, school and parish council.
- Holme Low Parish Council received £1,000 to help provide new facilities at Causewayhead Cemetery. An old building will be refurbished to house toilets, water for cemetery users and information on Silloth Airfield and Commonwealth war graves.
- Aspatria Town Council was awarded £1,500 towards an outdoor gym in the town’s memorial park.
The Chair of Fells and Solway Community Panel, Cllr Tony Markley, said: “Our area is so lucky to have such active communities with a thriving third sector. It means we can let our communities take the lead in understanding residents' needs, with support and funding from us to help make it happen."
Cllr Lisa Brown, Cumberland Council’s Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Adults and Community Health, said: “This impressive range of projects shows just what community panels can do when they are led by communities and their individual needs and strengths."
The Fells and Solway Community Panel covers the wards of Dalston and Burgh, Solway Coast, Thursby, Aspatria and Wigton.
The application deadline for the next round of Community Panel support for Fells and Solway is 5 February. Find out more here: Fells and Solway Community Panel | Cumberland Council or email the panel at fellsandsolway@cumberland.gov.uk
Investment projects are chosen according to how they fit with the priorities of the panel, which were set in conjunction with the community. For the Fells and Solway panel, those priorities are:
- Highways, transport and the environment
- Community infrastructure
- Community safety and rural crime