VARIOUS community projects in South Copeland have submitted successful grant funding applications to the South Copeland GDF Community Partnership.
The area near Millom is part of the nationwide search for a suitable site for a Geological Disposal Facility (GDF). A facility would store nuclear waste deep underground.
Eight local initiatives have successfully applied so far this year, adding to the 27 projects awarded Community Investment Funding (CIF) in 2022, with many of the projects now coming to fruition.
CIF of up to £1 million per annum is provided by the GDF developer to fund projects in the Search Areas. South Copeland is one of three search areas in Cumbria. Mid-Copeland and Allerdale are two further communities able to access funding.
The grants can be used to fund projects, schemes or initiatives which benefit the search area that provides economic opportunities, enhance the natural and built environment, or improve community well-being.
The projects to receive CIF in South Copeland so far this year include:
Bootle Parish Council, £775, to fund a box and professional installation for a donated defibrillator in the old red telephone box at Monk Moors owned by the Parish Council. The defibrillator was previously donated for the benefit of residents of Monk Moors, an isolated community.
Cumberland and Westmorland Antiquarian and Archaeological Society, £3,627, to fund a local excavation searching for evidence of and activities relating to a medieval settlement.
Howgill Family Centre, received an additional £58,078 (£72,963 was received in 2022), funding for a three-year project, Good Enough Start, to provide specialised support to parents and carers of children in their first 1000 days of life and ensure more effective parent-infant bonding and child development. CIF is a majority funder of the programme alongside three other funders.
The Hill Village Hall, £25,000, to replace the village hall roof. This will enable the venue to continue as a community hub, hosting activities and social groups for many years to come.
Parkrun Ltd., £4,000, to establish a new Park Run at Muncaster Castle. It is expected that the inaugural event will take place in early August 2023.
St John's Waberthwaite Parochial Church Council, received an additional £18,000 (£37,240 was received in 2022), to provide funding for a project which will create a resource centre out of an old building, once used as a laundry and bakehouse. The venue will be used for all kinds of community uses, including school groups, meetings and workshops.
Waberthwaite Cumberland & Westmorland Wrestling club, £2,500, to fund new wrestling mats for the club which is based at Waberthwaite Village Hall. The club attracts a number of individuals from the farming community and it also aims to address social isolation.
Two projects, allocated funding in 2022 are Friends of Eskdale School and Bootle and District First Responders.
Friends of Eskdale School received £31,849 for the installation of Cumbria’s first school biodome at St Bega’s, as well as planters, soil, seeds, seedlings and nutrients for the first year.
Bootle and District First Responders received £8,982 to replace eight defibrillators and purchase a laminator and additional equipment and clothing.
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