Over £8 million has been invested in community projects across Mid and South Copeland over the past four years through Nuclear Waste Services’ Geological Disposal Facility programme.
The Mid Copeland and South Copeland GDF community partnerships formed in late 2021 as the areas were identified for potential locations for an underground radioactive waste facility and investigations began.
Community investment funding of up to £1 million a year was made available to each search area, supporting local ideas that create economic opportunities, enhance the natural or built environment and improve community wellbeing.
The cash has funded over 200 projects combined and delivering lasting benefits for residents, community groups and local organisations.
Andy Pratt, chair of the community partnerships, said: “Reaching £8 million of investment across Mid and South Copeland is a significant milestone, and it’s great to see the difference this funding is making on the ground – from new and improved community facilities and youth services, to projects supporting wellbeing and heritage. I’m really pleased that this funding is being used to turn local ideas into facilities, services and opportunities that people can see and use every day.”
Shackles Off Youth and Community Project, was awarded over £500,000 through the Mid Copeland Partnership, to construct a new youth and community centre in Seascale.
A further £100,000 has been awarded by South Copeland Partnership to continue and expand provision the charity is currently delivering for young people in Millom.
Mandy Taylor, executive officer of Shackles Off, said: “This new centre and the expansion of our services mean so much to the young people we support, as well as our staff, volunteers and other local groups. We’re incredibly grateful for this funding, as we simply couldn’t have achieved this on our own.”
Other projects to benefit in Mid Copeland include:
- Major refurbishment at Beckermet Reading Rooms and Calderbridge and Ponsonby Village Hall
- New play areas at Thornhill, Beckermet and Calderbridge plus a community gym at Gosforth
- Mental health and wellbeing programmes, including Growing Well and Florence Arts Centre
- Community safety initiatives such as new defibrillators in rural areas
In South Copeland projects include:
- Major investment in Millom Leisure Centre, including 3G pitch resurfacing and building fit-out
- Refurbishment of Haverigg Inshore Rescue boat and equipment upgrades
- Energy efficiency upgrades at Millom Rugby Union Football Club and assessments at Eskdale Centre CIC, improvements at village halls across the Search Area, and heritage restorations in Irton and Bootle
- Projects tackling social isolation, improving access to transport and supporting health and wellbeing through projects such as Millom Pensioners Association, Cumbria Addictions Advice & Solutions, and the Millom Community Track
Funding is awarded by the community partnerships’ investment panels and provided by Nuclear Waste Services independently of any future decision on whether a GDF is built, ensuring communities benefit from early and sustained investment.
For more information about Community Investment Funding and how to apply, visit https://midcopeland.workinginpartnership.org.uk/apply-for-funding/ or https://southcopeland.workinginpartnership.org.uk/apply-for-funding/
