A new round of funding has opened for schemes aimed at boosting Swansea's rural communities.
5pm on Friday January 19 is the deadline for applications forming part of the council's rural anchor project being funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
More than £100,000 is available, with projects aimed at aiding biodiversity particularly welcome.
Penllergare Valley Woods volunteers
All schemes will be considered equally if they support themes such as the rural economy and visitor experience, natural environment and climate emergency, innovation, and health and well-being.
Cllr Robert Francis-Davies, Swansea Council's Cabinet Member for Investment, Regeneration, Events and Tourism, said:
“Through our allocation from the Shared Prosperity Fund, we want local residents, businesses and communities to benefit.”
Capital projects can receive up to £25,000. These could include investment in renewable energy for community buildings or community car and bike charging points.
Eligible for up to £15k, revenue projects could include those such as volunteering schemes to engage groups in rural communities and feasibility studies to help unlock future funding support.
Projects successful in previous rounds of funding include an initiative to help with the conservation of Penllergare Valley Woods, an information service for older people and their carers, and a scheme to encourage biodiversity across two sites.
Cllr Andrew Stevens, the council's Cabinet Member for Environment and Infrastructure, said:
“Rural communities are vitally important to Swansea's culture, identity and economy. This funding will help support them.”
Swansea wards where rural anchor projects are eligible for support include Bishopston, Clydach (including Craig Cefn Park), Fairwood, Gorseinon and Penyrheol, Gower, Gowerton, Llangyfelach, Llwchwr, Penclawdd, Penllergaer, Pennard, Pontarddulais (including the former Mawr ward), Pontlliw and Tircoed.
Projects in other wards may also be supported if they're on the fringes of these wards or if they have extensive natural environments.
Council officers are eager to support all applicants. Draft applications should be submitted – and initial queries made – before noon on January 10.
More info: Go to www.swansea.gov.uk/ruralfunding or email [email protected]
