Community allotment in Bargoed awarded £5,000 grant from council’s improvement fund

A community-run allotment in Bargoed has been handed almost £5,000 from Caerphilly County Borough Council.

Oaklands Hall Allotment Association received the grant from the council’s Community Improvement Fund.

The association has used the money to fund the refurbishment of two communal buildings at the site.

The newly refurbished buildings will now host a number of community activities and events throughout the year.

The council has set aside £50,000 per year, over a five year period, for the Community Improvement Fund, providing grants to support groups in delivering local projects and initiatives that aim to benefit the wider community.

Reg Carroll, Secretary of Oaklands Hall Allotment Association, said: “We’re very grateful to the council for providing us with this grant.

“We now have facilities that can be used in all weathers to engage with more of the local community and promote the benefits of allotment growing to people of all ages.”

Cllr Gerald Jones, the council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Housing, added: “Oaklands Hall Allotment Association is the first group to benefit from the Community Improvement Fund and it’s great to see the funding being put to such good use.

“The council has set up this fund to support initiatives which make a difference to local communities.
“I would strongly urge groups in the county borough to find out whether their projects could be helped by the Community Improvement Fund.”

For more information about the Community Improvement Fund contact the council’s Caerphilly Homes team on 01443 866493 or by emailing morgao@caerphilly.gov.uk.