Press Release on Coastal Fund

 MIKE HEDGES AM WELCOMES £3 MILLION AVAILABLE FOR  COASTAL COMMUNITIES IN WALES

Regeneration projects in Wales are being urged to apply to the Coastal Communities Fund which has £3.4 million available from today.

Mike Hedges said.. ‘ I greatly welcome this funding which will boost the economy of coastal communities. It will enable business within the eligible area’s to access funding to expand their operations and create jobs in the area. It will also help safeguard existing jobs and business. I urge people to check if their organisation is eligible through contacting the fund as per details at the end of the press release.’

Under the Coastal Communities Fund, which was established by the UK Treasury and devolved administrations, grants of between £50,000 and £300,000 are available to fund projects that boost the economic prospects of coastal communities.

Eligible projects must benefit coastal areas in Wales, promote sustainable economic growth and create or safeguard jobs so people can better respond to changing needs and opportunities.

Projects, which can come from public, private and voluntary sectors, must also do one of the following:

–       start or move into a new area of activity or business

–       expand the delivery of existing activity or business

–       innovate or improve their business model or organisational structure

Since the start of the Coastal Communities it has awarded 218 grants worth £125 million to organisations across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. These projects are forecast to deliver 12,000 jobs opportunities, and help attract over £240 million of additional funds to coastal areas.

Some 39 awards worth £8,160,904 have been awarded in Wales with the programme being delivered in partnership between the Welsh Government and Big Lottery Fund.

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Communities and Children’s Secretary Carl Sargeant said: “We are lucky in Wales to have a truly magnificent coastline with unparalleled views and attractions and there are some excellent examples of this Fund helping to enhance coastal communities from cycling and pedestrian facilities in Porthcawl to creating a visitor hub in Connah’s Quay. I urge communities, entrepreneurs and businesses around Wales to apply for this funding to help to make the most of their areas’ natural features, enhance their potential and drive local growth and jobs.”

Sian Callaghan, Wales’ chair of the Coastal Communities Fund, said: “Coastal Communities share a strong sense of place and this funding has the potential to give areas in Wales a welcome boost by supporting the development of their local economies.

“I would encourage anyone interested to get in touch and see what is available for you and your community.”

Applications forms and guidance materials are now available with the deadline of noon on Thursday 29 September 2016 for the first stage of the application process. Grants will be awarded in summer 2017.

For more information visit: https://www.biglotteryfund.org.uk/coastal-communities

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Further Information:

Ben Payne – Big Lottery Fund Press Office: 01686 611720

Public Enquiries Line: 08454 102030                           Textphone:  0845 6021 659

Full details of the Big Lottery Fund programmes and grant awards are available at: www.biglotteryfund.org.uk

Follow BIG on Twitter: www.twitter.com/biglotterywales

Find BIG on facebook: www.facebook.com/biglotteryfundwales

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Notes to Editors:

• For the purposes of this programme the definition of a coastal community is ‘any coastal settlement within a local authority whose boundaries include UK foreshore, including local authorities whose boundaries only include estuarine foreshore’.
• Coastal settlements include seaside towns, ports and other areas which have a clear connection to the coastal economy.
• This definition has been developed in agreement with HM Treasury.