Darwen projects celebrate £270,000 funding boost from community fund
Twelve projects receive support through pilot scheme
Darwen is celebrating a £270,000 funding boost as the first round of the Darwen Community Fund awards vital support to local projects.
This pilot initiative is part of the Government's £20m Pride in Place programme, with the Darwen Town Board allocating £250,000 of capacity funding to support the new scheme and achieve 'quick wins' for the town.
Among the twelve projects receiving funding is Two Gates Bowling Green and Social Club, awarded £20,000 for urgent repairs to keep the venue operational.
The club serves as a community hub offering live music, bingo, and family events, run by dedicated volunteers.
Chair John Bentley expressed his gratitude: "For almost 130 years, the bowling club has been at the very heart of the community."
A Diverse Range of Funded Projects
The Darwen Community Fund pilot received over 60 bids totaling more than £1.3m.
Other successful projects reflect residents' priorities, determined through extensive consultation.
Derwent Hall will receive funds for redecoration to accommodate more community activities.
Darwen Cricket Club gains support for providing opportunities at its new indoor centre.
Sunbird Records gains funding to enhance its music programme.
Darwen Heritage Centre will receive funding to improve accessibility for all visitors.
Darwen Youth Zone will extend its StreetZone bus operation to five days.
Junction4 Skatepark gets new investment for an Urban Culture Programme.
Hoddlesden Millennium Green will introduce a Forest School and activities.
St James Over Darwen Church Council receives funds for emergency building works towards creating a community hub.
The Making Rooms pilot gives young people hands-on learning experiences.
Launchpad, a partnership to support young people, builds on proven success.
Newrad Fisheries angling club will improve lodge accessibility.
Darwen Town Board, chaired by Tracey Alcock, oversees the Pride in Place programme alongside the Darwen Town Deal.
"We are amazed by the response to the Darwen Community Fund pilot," Alcock said. "This funding can help ensure even more people and groups can benefit."
Leader of the Council, Councillor Phil Riley, added, "We're proud to announce the successful bids today and an extra £20,000 of funding."
Riley expressed excitement for the future impact of the fund while planning larger town projects.
The Darwen Community Fund pilot launched in December, offering bids up to £30,000 to community groups and businesses supporting the community.
Pride in Place Programme and Future Plans
The Pride in Place programme is part of a former initiative to invest in towns through funding and improvements.
Although officially announced around 18 months ago, the programme will launch this year after Government review.
Local MP Andy MacNae stated, "This is a great start to our Pride in Place programme. I look forward to ensuring we deliver the projects Darwen needs."
Darwen was among the first selected towns to receive this funding.
Updates on the Darwen Community Fund and related initiatives will be available on the Council's Shuttle website and social media platforms.