The new North Anglesey Regeneration Fund has today (Monday, February 17th) been launched to help businesses, support local events and make environmental improvements.
Using valuable funding awarded by the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA), Anglesey Council has set-up a new funding pot as part of its efforts to regenerate an area dealt several economic blows of late.
An initial fund of £50,000 is being made available for schemes that can be delivered by September 2020. Small grants of up to £5,000 are available to help businesses and community groups in the Talybolion and Twrcelyn wards, and the community of Moelfre - to deliver projects which will support the County Council’s North Anglesey Regeneration Plan.
The North Anglesey Economic Regeneration Plan was developed in response to the suspension of the Wylfa Newydd project, closure of the Rehau factory in Amlwch and further workforce reductions at the present Wylfa Power Station.
The NDA has pledged £495,000 towards realising the plan’s key aims of:
- Creating employment and jobs
- Supporting the tourism industry
- Improving transportation and connectivity
- Regenerating urban areas and providing suitable housing
- Ensuring the area benefits from its natural environment and culture
Council Leader and Talybolion county councillor, Llinos Medi, explained, “With a robust and ambitious plan in place to help regenerate North Anglesey, we can now start putting this significant and valuable NDA funding to good use.”
“The North Anglesey Regeneration Fund will provide small grants for suitable projects aimed at supporting economic growth, promoting the Welsh language, creating jobs and improving skills, partnership working, protecting the environment and creating sustainable communities.”
She added, “I would encourage local businesses and community groups to apply if they have projects that meet the relevant criteria and can help regenerate their local communities.”
Funding provided by Nuclear Decommissioning Authority will also contribute towards other measures aimed at boosting business activity, the supply chain and employment, increasing tourism, improving transport and infrastructure and reviving the High Streets.
NDA Stakeholder Relations and Socio Economics Manager, Jonathan Jenkin, added, “The NDA is pleased to support the Council’s North Anglesey Economic Regeneration Plan. The North Anglesey Regeneration Fund will attract much-needed investment and jobs into the area, supporting sustainable communities as the Wylfa site is decommissioned.”
The challenges of attracting investment and new employment to North Anglesey are recognised by all concerned. However, with a clear plan, commitment, and collaboration, the County Council believes local businesses, people and communities will benefit.
Anglesey’s Major Projects and Economic Development Portfolio holder, Cllr Carwyn Jones, said, "A great deal of work and effort has gone into shaping our North Anglesey Economic Regeneration Plan and it gives us a platform and clear direction of travel for the area.”
"We are committed to working with key partners to create jobs and support economic growth in the area. This will take time and a great deal of work, but the launch of this new fund, thanks to the NDA, will provide a real impetus for economic regeneration."
Two £25,000 funding rounds will be held during 2020. Round one applications must be submitted before March 31st; round two applications must be submitted between May 1st and May 31st 2020.
North Anglesey Regeneration Fund criteria and relevant application forms can be found at www.anglesey.gov.uk/northangleseyregenfund
Ends 17.2.20
Notes to Editors:
Establishing the North Anglesey Regeneration Plan and new fund reflects two of the key objectives highlighted in the Council Plan 2017-22, namely to:
- Ensure that the people of Anglesey can thrive and realise their long-term potential.
- Work in partnership with our communities to ensure that they can cope effectively with change and developments whilst protecting our natural environment.