Five community projects in Caerphilly County Borough have been awarded £676,625 by the Welsh Assembly Government’s Communities Facilities and Activities Programme (CFAP) scheme.
The Manmoel community, near Blackwood, has secured £58,077 towards the £100,000 cost of buying their village hall.
St David’s Church, in Rhymney was given £240,000 towards its £500,000 three-year restoration project.
Ystrad Mynach Boys and Girls Club secured £58,448 to enhance the outdoor area around the Boys and Girls club.
Neuadd St Cattwgs got £300,000 for refurbishment and extension while Gilfach Bowls Club got £20,000 towards refurbishment of their building.
Mike Bridgman, assistant director of the Gwent Association of Voluntary Organisations in Caerphilly, said: “Caerphilly Development Officers have worked hard to support local voluntary groups to become successful, and secure funding for the borough.
“To date GAVO Caerphilly has raised over £5,478,134 in this current financial year and we are still waiting for grants to be approved.
“I would like to extend my thanks to the hard work that the development team put into securing grant aid into this borough.”
Caerphilly AM Jeff Cuthbert said: “This is great news and I’m delighted that all three (Caerphilly-based) projects have been successful in their bids for this funding. It will help all of them to carry on their good work in our communities.
“The funding is also a further shot in the arm for community life and the local economy during these difficult times.
“The three projects are among nearly fifty across Wales to benefit from the latest round of the Welsh Assembly Government’s popular Community Facilities and Activities Programme. In total, £7 million is being invested in these 46 projects over three financial years.
“The programme is not just about buildings. It’s about people, regenerating our towns and villages and restoring a sense of community spirit.”