Community groups and a primary school are being given thousands of pounds in funding to improve facilities and expand the services they provide.
The first round of grants has now been approved by Durham County Council’s 3 Towns Partnership following its call for projects. A total of £47,763 in grants is being allocated to voluntary and community sector organisations in and around Crook, Tow Law and Willington.
The 3 Towns Partnership gives people and organisations the opportunity to work together to meet the needs of its communities.
A total of £20,730 is being given to Willington Open Door Methodist Church to expand on services it already offers. The church will soon provide additional men’s groups, a support group for parents of children with autism and a second happiness hub. It will also host a grow your own to eat healthily group, a walking group and musical event.
Crook-based social enterprise Jack Drum Arts has been granted £15,000. The funding will go towards hosting its free to attend Building Our Planet Fest, a family-friendly green festival produced in collaboration with local young people.
The event will include live music, street theatre entertainment, eco-themed drop-in workshops, carnival stalls, eco-friendly catering and more. It takes place in Glenholme Park in Crook on Sunday 14 August.
Our Lady and St Thomas Primary School in Crook is being awarded £6,650. The money will fund after school activities which will be provided by practitioners in the arts and environmental fields. It will also enable the school to provide activities all year round for its pupils.
Sunniside Community Association in Crook has been awarded £5,383 to upgrade its community centre’s heating, security and décor.
The centre hosts a successful café and community pantry and the grant will make the site feel warmer and more welcoming to those attending.
Sandy Denney, 3 Towns Partnership co-ordinator, said: “We are delighted to be able to award grants to these deserving organisations. They all make a positive contribution to the communities which they are in.
“I’m sure the funding announced will further improve their offering to residents in their areas.”
The 3 Towns Partnership consists of members of the public, representatives from the council, town and parish councils, police, fire, health, housing, business and voluntary organisations.
The partnership:
- identifies local priorities and the actions required to tackle them
- allocates funding to local organisations and supports their development
- monitors the difference that funding and support is making to communities
- ensures that members of the public can get involved with consultation activities and are aware of what is going on in their community.
To find out more about the 3 Towns Partnership go to www.durham.gov.uk/3townsaap
