Two community projects in south Copeland have been given a cash boost.
Millom Cricket Club has been awarded £31,236 and magazine Around the Combe £5,000 from the Community Investment Fund. They are the first to benefit from the £1 million pot, which is linked to the search for a suitable location for an underground radioactive waste disposal facility.
Due to the setting up of a community partnership for the area, funding is available to support projects that provide economic development opportunities, enhance the natural and built environment, or improve community wellbeing.
A geological disposal facility, or GDF, is an underground facility designed to securely dispose of higher activity radioactive waste.
Community partnerships are long-term groups made up of local people, the GDF developer and local authorities to consider the possibilities of hosting a GDF within an identified search area.
Millom Cricket Club plans to improve its clubhouse and facilities, including the replacement of the clubhouse roof, development of a seating and picnic area, and supply equipment such as site screens and pitch covers.
Martin Burn, of Millom Cricket Club, said: “This funding is fantastic news for Millom Cricket Club as it will allow us to carry out vital roof repairs to our clubhouse and is also enabling us to improve our facilities and grounds, ensuring that cricket and other community events can be continued to be held and enjoyed in a safe and welcoming environment for many years to come.”
Around the Combe Community magazine, which is now in its seventh year, is free and hand-delivered by over 40 community ambassadors to 5,500 houses in 13 areas around Black Combe bi-monthly.
The 32-page magazine was created to promote health and wellbeing, signpost to groups and services and reduce social isolation.
Jenny Brumby, of Around the Combe, said: “Around the Combe community group is ecstatic to receive the funding to continue to create the community magazine. The magazine has become a lifeline to people who live between Waberthwaite and Broughton in Furness.”
Ged McGrath, chair of South Copeland GDF Community Partnership, said: “I am delighted that the Community Partnership is now able to begin awarding grant funding to local projects.
“This will help to make a positive difference to our community while it takes part in the GDF process. The applications that we are receiving are varied and if successful will be of great benefit to the South Copeland area. I encourage other community groups, organisations and businesses to find out more and apply.”
For details about Community Investment Funding and how to apply, email communityinvestment-southcopeland@nda.gov.uk
A GDF requires a suitable site and a willing community. Deep geology beyond the coast is being considered for siting the underground elements of a GDF. This means a surface facility on, or near, the coast would provide access to a disposal area deep in rock beyond the coast.
If a suitable site is found in Copeland, a decision which could take 10 to 15 years and without public support the project would not go ahead.
