Neath Port Talbot is celebrating its success in securing around £4 million from the ‘People and Places’ Big Lottery Fund in the last three years.
The fund has awarded more money per head of population to Neath Port Talbot than any other council in Wales.
In total, 38 applications have been submitted, of which 15 were successful. This puts Neath Port Talbot near the top of the league table.
Grants have ranged from £76,564 to £943,232.
“The aim of the programme is to enable people to work together to make communities stronger,” says Council Leader, Ali Thomas.
“Revitalised communities, improved communities and an enhanced environment are all beneficiaries of the funding.”
Some of the projects that went ahead in Neath Port Talbot thanks to the funding include the Multi Use Games Areas, health and well being initiatives, social rehabilitation for older people, some that engage young people as well as some that promote the use of modern technology.
Other organisations to benefit are scout halls, parish halls and a radio station.
Communities that have reaped benefits are Ystalyfera, Tonna, Bryncoch, Afan Valley, Sandfields and Aberavon, Glynneath, Taibach and county borough wide projects developed by NPT Age Concern and the Citizens Advice Bureau.
Councillor Thomas added, “Our success is testament to the good work and time invested by the voluntary and public sector bodies in Neath Port Talbot.
“Their work has generated grant aid for better facilities and services in the county borough.
“I am encouraged by our ability to develop robust bids to this programme and the way in which these grants are then invested to improve the quality of life for all residents.”
The ‘People and Places’ programme has a total budget of £66 million in Wales and extends to Summer 2011. It has supported 244 projects with funding of £45 million across Wales to date. It can support a wide range of proposals but competition for funding is high. The fund is proving to be the most popular and successful in the Neath Port Talbot area.
Funding per head of population:
Neath Port Talbot £36.63
Blaenau Gwent £29.50
Merthyr Tydfil £25.37
Swansea £14.95
Cardiff £11.76
