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Further funding for Deeside regeneration

Published: 21/12/2016

Welsh Government has awarded Flintshire County Council a further £100,000 for two regeneration projects in Deeside. The money, from the Vibrant and Viable Places programme, will be used to extend the Green Team project until 31 March 2017 and also to help to prepare a Lottery funding bid for the Pepperpot Childcare project. Groundwork has delivered the Green Team project for Flintshire County Council in partnership with Communities First. £35,000 will support the seventh round of traineeships. Thus far, each traineeship has supported 20 young people Not in Education Employment or Training (NEETs) on a 12 week work and training programme designed to increase their chances of securing future employment or education. Flintshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Tourism, Councillor Derek Butler, said: “This programme has been hugely successful so far, with most attendees gaining practical qualifications and also getting a huge boost in confidence while experiencing the structure and discipline of work. The young people have worked with Council Streetscene officers and rangers to tackle environmental problems. This has given them an understanding of challenges of managing their local environment – and this is an appreciation that they take away with them and pass on to the community.” A further £65,000 has been approved for the former Pepperpot Inn project which is earmarked as a potential base for childcare in the Deeside area, where an assessment has identified that there is a shortage of childcare provision. The building is owned by the Council and has stood empty for a number of years and, due to its condition, has failed to secure a commercial tenant. The building is located adjacent to Deeside Leisure Centre and is therefore in a highly prominent location. This phase of the project will look at the design, costing and consent needed to apply for funding from major programmes such as the Lottery. If successful the project will develop a new business in a prime location in Deeside to serve local people by providing an innovative approach to childcare that matches the needs of the area. Flintshire County Council Leader, Councillor Aaron Shotton, said: Both of these announcements are very welcome and only possible because of the great work the Council has already done in delivering the Vibrant and Viable Places programme in Deeside. Deeside is a major economic hub for North Wales and North West England and this programme is an important element in growing the prosperity of the region.