£50k boost for community projects

Volunteers in two Monmouthshire villages will be handed £50,000 to grow and secure further grant funding for their community projects.

Five projects in Portskewett and Sudbrook will each receive £10,000 from Monmouthshire County Council after senior councillors gave their unanimous backing to the plans.

The money was secured through a Section 106 agreement between the authority and Redrow Homes as part of the development at the former Sudbrook paper mill, where 212 homes re planned.

Monmouthshire council leader and Portskewett councillor Peter Fox said the money would support the “tireless” work of community groups.

One of those groups that will benefit from the extra funding is The Cornfield Project, which aims to provide an improved communal area on land near Portskewett Recreation Hall.

The site has already earned Green Flag status for its memorial garden and floral decoration, though there are plans to create a hard-surfaced footpath and cycleway around the field.

A council report says the project will use the £10,000 as a match-funding sum to apply for a larger Big Lottery grant of up to £40,000.

Cllr Fox, speaking to cabinet on April 3, said: “The Cornfield Project is fantastic, with the local community coming together to turn a piece of ground into a wonderful place to visit.

“It’s a thriving, lovely community which is driven by a group of people who have put a whole community before themselves and contribute tirelessly towards it.”

Another project to receive funding is the Portskewett Heritage Centre, which involves the conversion of a disused building in the grounds of St Mary’s Church.

While its main use will be to inform visitors about local history, it could also be used for those using the church for services, weddings, baptisms and funerals.

The centre is expected to cost £140,000, with volunteers already managing to raise £117,000 towards the project.

Elsewhere a zip wire will be installed at the Quest play area in Portskewett, with the Sudbrook play park also set to use its money for new equipment.

Sudbrook Sports and Social Club, which is also home to St Joseph’s boxing club, will be able to press on with plans to relocate its kitchen and create a safer access to its outdoor seating area.

Cllr Fox said: “These [investments] are welcomed, though I am conscious that there are a lot of people wanting to come to our area in the next several months and years.

“This will put more pressure on facilities, and I’m sure the community will be looking for further investment in recreational infrastructure going forward.”