Community projects in Telford and Wrekin benefit from Councillors’ Pride Fund
Community projects which received a share of £270,000 funding from Telford & Wrekin Council are improving the lives of residents across the borough.
A paper presented at the council’s October Cabinet meeting confirmed that 257 projects benefited from the Councillors’ Pride Fund in 2021/22, where £5,000 was allocated to each of the 54 ward members to spend on projects that matter in their area.
For every £1 allocated from the fund, 82p of match funding was also secured, seeing another £220,159 invested into the heart of our communities.
More than half of applications in 2021 were for projects that boost people’s physical and mental wellbeing. Sutton Hill Short Mat Bowls Club received £2,000 towards an automatic mat rolling machine replacing the manual one which elderly members found difficult to use. Thanks to the grant they can continue playing and socialising and the future of the 40-year-old club is secure.
A quarter of successful applications prioritise protecting the environment. Recycling bins have been installed in Oakengates & Ketley Bank, Newport North & West and Wrockwardine to encourage recycling on the go. A grant of £8,900 was awarded which was match funded by £11,000. A separate grant of £2,500 has funded the installation of electric vehicle charging points.
A total of £3,500 has funded the creation of community orchards at Stirchley allotments and Holmer Lake in The Nedge and at Shrewsbury Road playing field in Edgmond & Ercall Magna. These projects provide local fresh fruit and vegetables at a time when people are struggling to buy food and support the borough’s aim to be carbon neutral by 2030.
Schools have also benefited. A grant of £2,500 was awarded to Millbrook Primary which was match funded by Hadley & Leegomery Parish Council. The cash has transformed the school garden into an outdoor learning environment.
Deputy headteacher Joanne Edwards said: “We cannot express our gratitude enough for the money we were awarded. The children now have a wonderful outdoor space to learn in.”
Councillor Paul Watling Cabinet Member for Stronger and Safer Communities (Labour) said:
“As a council on the side of our residents, it is wonderful that so many local projects and activities have been given a much-needed cash boost through the Councillors’ Pride Fund.
“The fund supports the council’s goal to protect, care and invest to create a better borough. As a co-operative council, communities are at the heart of everything we do and this money is helping a variety of organisations to thrive and continue offering vital services keeping people safe, healthy and happy.
“Thanks to the positive impact of the fund, this year, it has doubled to £10,000 per ward.”
Other projects to benefit include:
- £16,200 for benches improving green spaces across the borough.
- £3,200 for defibrillators in Dawley & Aqueduct, Ironbridge Gorge and Madeley & Sutton Hill.
- £2,000 for Brookside Central Event group to put on activities.
- £600 towards a five-a-side pitch in Newlands Road, Oakengates, increasing access to 1 physical activity.
- £500 for The Windrush Exhibition Telford & Wrekin to organise a celebration event recognising the local Windrush Generation.
- £400 for a dementia support group in Newport North & West
The Councillors’ Pride Fund was launched in 2011 and to date almost £1.2 million has been distributed.
