More than £70k awarded to community schemes

Over £70,000 worth of funding has been agreed by Bridgend County Borough Council towards the cost of transforming a green space in Cornelly, creating a new skate park in Pencoed, refurbishing bus shelters in Bettws and improving a Bryncethin car park.

Through its ‘Town and Community Council Fund’, Cabinet Members from the local authority approved support for four projects that have been put forward by town and community councils to benefit their local communities.

Cornelly Community Council have submitted an exciting proposal that will revitalise the area surrounding Cornelly Community Centre on Heol Las.

The idea is for the site to be landscaped with feature gates that will lead to wider footpaths which will provide access for wheelchairs and pushchairs. A number of trees will be planted, with new garden areas, seating and picnic spaces to encourage all generations to use the park.

The current Heol Las Pocket Park in front of the centre will also be expanded with new challenging play equipment to cater for older children as well as new all-inclusive equipment.

Bridgend County Borough Council has awarded £40,000 towards the total cost of the £150,000 scheme. Cornelly Community Council are contributing £40,000 of their own funds and have also bid for a £70,000 grant from the Big Lottery ‘People and Places’ Fund to cover the remaining cost.

We’re thrilled to support this scheme. Last year, Cornelly Community Council took on the running of the community centre via a ‘Community Asset Transfer’ after they demonstrated their commitment to ensuring the centre continues to thrive as a community hub.

It’s fantastic to see that they already have such comprehensive plans to improve the site. The centre is very well-used by many local groups, including the Cornelly Luncheon Club, dance groups, and a local running club, and they would all benefit from having a usable space outside the community centre.

The community council’s scheme will also allow the park to become a central play area for children of all ages and abilities throughout Cornelly.

Councillor Hywel Williams, Bridgend County Borough Council’s Deputy Leader

Cabinet Members from Bridgend County Borough Council have also agreed that Pencoed Town Council will be awarded £20,000 towards the £59,000 cost of creating a new skateboard park on the site of the former tennis court at Felindre Road playing fields.

A number of old bus shelters in Bettws will be spruced up thanks to the Garw Valley Community Council’s ‘Town and Community Council Fund’ award of £3,795.09. Five shelters will be completely refurbished, with new seating being added to seven shelters.

The idea for the bus shelter refurbishment came from local councillor Martyn Jones. The community council will be contributing £2,000 towards the £10,795.09 total cost, with the £5,000 shortfall coming from Bridgend County Borough Council’s Community Action Fund.

St Bride’s Minor Community Council have also been successful with their application for a ‘Town and Community Council Fund’ grant. They will receive £6,550 towards the £13,100 cost of tarmacking the Bryncethin Memorial Hall Car Park.

Under the terms of the grant scheme, each of the Town and Community Councils involved have to meet at least 50 per cent of the project costs.