GRANTS have been awarded to projects in Copeland as their area takes part in the search for a suitable site to build a Geological Disposal Facility.
Over £65,000 of Community Investment Funding has been awarded to three schemes in the borough this week from the GDF programme.
The involvement of Copeland Council, Radioactive Waste Management and Cumbria Association of Local Councils in two Community Partnership has made £1 million in funding available to projects which enhance the environment or provide economic growth opportunities in both areas.
Community Partnerships have formed in Mid and South Copeland to discuss the potential of hosting the facility with residents.
A Geological Disposal Facility in the area selected will store higher level radioactive waste deep underground.
The first projects benefitting from the funding made available by the launch of Mid Copeland GDF Community Partnership are: £47,801 for a revamp of the BMX Pump Track at Seascale; £9,576 to the Beckermet Reading and Recreation Rooms for refurbishment plans and £8,122 for an electronic scoreboard for Seascale Cricket Club.
Mark Cullinan, Chair of the Mid Copeland GDF Community Partnership, said: "We’re delighted to be able to start awarding the grant funding for local projects which will help to make a difference to communities while they are part of this process. The applications coming in are varied and will benefit many different groups in the Mid Copeland area.”
Seascale Parish Councillor Lizzie Mawson, who applied for funding for a revamp of the village BMX Pump Track, in Seascale, said: "It’s absolutely wonderful to have the funding for this local facility – the children and young people come from far and wide to use it. This grant will enable us to do much needed work that we have been trying to do before the track falls into disrepair.
"This will mean we can resurface the track, provide fencing, pedestrianise the area, improve the seating and provide litter bins. It’s brilliant news for the community.”
Mid Copeland GDF Community Partnership member David Moore said: “This is the start of the community investment funding process and these are the first ones to be awarded grants.
Councillor Moore, who is also Copeland Council's nuclear boss said: "The criteria is wide so there’s lots of opportunities for people to apply.”
The next round of applications will be considered in April, for details about Community Investment Funding visit: https://midcopeland.workinginpartnership.org.uk - or email: communityinvestment-midcopeland@nda.gov.uk
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