Latest news with #CommunityAssetTransfer
Daily Record
29-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
Loaves and Fishes pledge to be 'more than a bag of food' as ribbon is cut at lifeline community hub
The multibank provides basic supplies to more than 1,000 people in need every week from their new premises at Greenhills Community Centre. It was a full circle moment as Loaves and Fishes charity founder Geordie Aitken officially opened the multibank's new and improved premises in East Kilbride with a stark message - 'our success is society's failure'. Hundreds of supporters turned out on Saturday to celebrate the milestone moment with former chairmen Denis Curran MBE and Dominic Everett and Chief Executive The Celtic Foundation Tony Hamilton among the special guests at the new Greenhills Community Hub. A whopping £2000 was raised for the lifeline food and clothing bank on the day which provides basic supplies to more than 1,000 people in need every week - a stark reminder of the growing hardship many local families face. From pensioners to parents, the support they offer is a lifeline in the face of rising poverty and inequality. Download the Lanarkshire Live app today The Lanarkshire Live app is available to download now. Get all the news from your area – as well as features, entertainment, sport and the latest on Lanarkshire's recovery from the coronavirus pandemic – straight to your fingertips, 24/7. The free download features the latest breaking news and exclusive stories, and allows you to customise your page to the sections that matter most to you. Head to the App Store and never miss a beat in Lanarkshire - iOS - Android The opening event was a day of celebration, solidarity, and renewed commitment, bringing together residents, volunteers, and elected representatives to support a cause that continues to make a profound impact. Current chairperson Lesley Davidson told supporters she was "so excited and grateful" to be given this opportunity by South Lanarkshire Council and that she and her dedicated 74-strong team of volunteers will endeavour to create an environment where it's always "more than food". Loaves and Fishes were successful in rescuing the under-threat Greenhills Community Centre through South Lanarkshire Council's Community Asset Transfer (CAT) Lite process. Securing the much larger and more central premises spells a new chapter for the charity in the heart of East Kilbride's most deprived area where they aim to better serve those in need. Lesley said: "We were delighted to welcome so many lovely supporters to our open day on Saturday. This opportunity to celebrate the completed Community Asset Transfer was a chance for our team of 74 volunteers to show our community just what Greenhills Community Hub was going to be. "A food bank, a source of clothing, household items, electrical goods, a warm space for tea and coffee, company, signposting and just the chance to be with other people. "Our special guests of course were the family of Geordie Aitken, our charity founder. Geordie was a character whom so many have great memories of. To have son Adam and daughter Bev, his wife... to have them here to cut the ribbon and officially open the building was a beautiful full circle moment. "We were so chuffed to welcome Tony Hamilton, Chief Executive The Celtic Foundation. They have supported Loaves and Fishes for decades now, I'm so proud that they continue to do so. "It was a joy to welcome two of our former chairpersons, Dominic Everett and of course Denis Curran MBE. I think for Denis to visit is a bittersweet feeling. So many memories of his years with the charity and his beloved wife Cathie, sadly no longer with us. "Every single person who came is valued and has made a difference. I'm so grateful to the community who supported us in being awarded the asset transfer." Aside from its multibank, Greenhills Community Hub will also be hosting ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) classes, providing small group cooking classes and using the greenspaces around to grow fresh produce. Tenants Waist Not Want Not will also continue to deliver their valuable and well-established service much loved by the local community. They too have been able to extend their provision and services through the move. Lesley added: "It's never been just a bag of food for Loaves and Fishes. It's always been more, but this move really allows us to deliver on this. Food banks are here for the foreseeable future - we can't change that. "What we can do is create an environment where it's always 'more than food'. Our strapline of 'Full Tummies, Warm Hearts, Clear Heads' has never been more appropriate than it is now. "But in amongst all this joy and celebration, lets not forget, food banks should not be a necessity. We are doing the work the state should be doing. Our success is society's failure, it's that simple. "But, for as long as we are needed, we will do this well. We will look after everyone who needs us. We will grow and evolve to be more than 'a bag of food' because that is not a solution - it's a sticking plaster. "We are so grateful to the community of Greenhills for welcoming our Community Hub and for welcoming our volunteers, customers and supporters. We are so glad to be here, for as long as we are needed." To mark the opening, SNP councillors delivered bags filled with groceries, toiletries, and everyday essentials to help restock the shelves of the charity's new hub. Speaking at the event, Councillor John Anderson condemned the policies driving local hardship, saying: 'When 1,000 people in East Kilbride are relying on food support each week, it's not simply a local issue — it's the direct result of failed national policy. Westminster continues to uphold cruel Tory-era measures like the two-child cap and punitive benefit sanctions. The people of this town deserve better.' Thanks go to The Kraken Chippy who fed guests for free on the day and gave all profits to Loaves and Fishes. *Don't miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here.
STV News
25-07-2025
- Business
- STV News
Community charity wins £60,000 grant to renovate former library
A West Lothian charity has been awarded more than £60,000 to build a new home in its former library base. Craigshill-based Spark took control of the former Almondbank Library for just £1 in a Community Asset Transfer from West Lothian Council earlier this year. Now grant funding secured from the Scottish Land Fund will enable the charity to refurbish the building to create a permanent home for a community group which has spread from its neighbourhood roots to help thousands across the county. Chair of Spark, the former long serving Craigshill councillor Frank Anderson, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: 'It is great to finally see the aspirations of our organisation reach a conclusion with the award of this grant funding. It has been a daunting task but one which will see our organisation go from strength to strength. 'Our community will continue to benefit from the many and varied activities we provide and will continue to provide. There will be no change to our activities and the fabulous atmosphere generated at Spark.' Frank continued: 'Whilst this award secures our ambition to take community ownership of the building, securing our future, we are already seeking funding to bring the building to a higher standard and become more energy efficient. We know that the improvements will enhance the Mall area and secure the building for future generations to enjoy.' Alex Fleming, Chief Officer at Spark, said: 'Spark are deeply thankful to the Scottish Land Fund for supporting us in taking this vital step toward community ownership of our building in the heart of our community. This funding means we can secure a long-term home where we can continue to grow, create opportunities, and make a real difference for those who live, work and visit our community.' The SLF grant will help the charity with the initial costs of taking on ownership of the former council property including legal fees for ownership, the decoupling of utilities we have to pay as part of the acceptance. Frank told the LDRS: 'We have applied for other grants to enable us to have a more efficient heating system.' The council's Community Asset Transfer Committee agreed to the transfer of the library building in March after hearing that a measure of just part of the work the charity does suggested its social value was in excess of £500,000. Spark's membership and volunteer numbers have grown significantly over the last 18 months, as has the number and type of activities and events it delivers. Events such as our inaugural Spark in the Park, last year which saw approx. 3,000 people attend a free family event in Craigshill. The charity has been awarded a total of £63, 961 to fund the transformation of the building that has long been its home. Spark was founded as the Craigshill Good Neighbour Network almost 40 years ago. Cara Gillespie, the chair of the Scottish Land Fund Committee said: 'The focus of this round of SLF funding has been on providing groups with the funds to secure spaces where they can come together as communities in both rural and urban locations, forging social ties and helping to meet local needs.' Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
Edinburgh Reporter
25-07-2025
- Business
- Edinburgh Reporter
Craigshill based Spark secures £60,000 funding to kick start redevelopment
A West Lothian charity has been awarded more than £60,000 to build a new home in its former library base. Craigshill based Spark took control of the former Almondbank Library for just £1 in a Community Asset Transfer from West Lothian Council earlier this year. Now grant funding secured from the Scottish Land Fund will enable the charity to refurbish the building to create a permanent home for a community group which has spread from its neighbourhood roots to help thousands across the county. Chair of Spark, the former long serving Craigshill councillor Frank Anderson, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: 'It is great to finally see the aspirations of our organisation reach a conclusion with the award of this grant funding. It has been a daunting task but one which will see our organisation go from strength to strength. 'Our community will continue to benefit from the many and varied activities we provide and will continue to provide. There will be no change to our activities and the fabulous atmosphere generated at Spark.' Frank continued: 'Whilst this award secures our ambition to take community ownership of the building, securing our future, we are already seeking funding to bring the building to a higher standard and become more energy efficient. We know that the improvements will enhance the Mall area and secure the building for future generations to enjoy.' Alex Fleming, Chief Officer at Spark, said: 'Spark are deeply thankful to the Scottish Land Fund for supporting us in taking this vital step toward community ownership of our building in the heart of our community. This funding means we can secure a long-term home where we can continue to grow, create opportunities, and make a real difference for those who live, work and visit our community.' The SLF grant will help the charity with the initial costs of taking on ownership of the former council property including legal fees for ownership, the decoupling of utilities we have to pay as part of the acceptance. Frank told the LDRS: 'We have applied for other grants to enable us to have a more efficient heating system.' The council's Community Asset Transfer Committee agreed to the transfer of the library building in March after hearing that a measure of just part of the work the charity does suggested its social value was in excess of £500,000. Spark's membership and volunteer numbers have grown significantly over the last 18 months, as has the number and type of activities and events it delivers. Events such as our inaugural Spark in the Park, last year which saw approx. 3,000 people attend a free family event in Craigshill. The charity has been awarded a total of £63, 961 to fund the transformation of the building that has long been its home. Spark was founded as the Craigshill Good Neighbour Network almost 40 years ago. Cara Gillespie, the chair of the Scottish Land Fund Committee said: 'The focus of this round of SLF funding has been on providing groups with the funds to secure spaces where they can come together as communities in both rural and urban locations, forging social ties and helping to meet local needs.' By Stuart Sommerville, Local Democracy Reporter Like this: Like Related
Daily Record
24-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
Volunteers needed to save sports centre from October closure by Falkirk Council
A bid to save Polmont Sports Centre is underway but help is still needed to secure its future. A group of volunteers hoping to take over a sports centre under threat of closure by Falkirk Council is making a fresh plea for people to help. Polmont Sports Centre will be closed by Falkirk Council on October 1 and its only chance of staying open is if is taken over by members of the community. A group which hopes to do just that is now a registered charity and members are currently putting together a business plan, which will be needed to make a bid for a Community Asset Transfer. However, while there is good progress, the committee says they still need more people to get involved - either as volunteers or by using the centre. Interim treasurer Jan Crossthwaite said: "Things are certainly gathering pace towards our deadline of October 1. "We still , however, need more volunteers to help us run the centre. "At the moment we can't afford to pay staff as we need to meet the substantial costs of keeping the centre open. "If you could give up between one and four hours a week - at days and times of your choosing - please get in touch. "We are also looking for more groups to use the centre, particularly during the day, and for birthday party/social events at the weekend." The group's next meeting will take place at the Grange Centre in Brightons at 7pm on Tuesday, August 5 and all are welcome to attend. Unlike most community asset transfers, the group had no funds to help with their bid to transition from council to community ownership so they are holding regular car boot sales to bring in some money. The next sale will be on Sunday, August 3, from noon until 4pm. The cost per pitch is £10, with all proceeds going directly to the group, and all pitches must booked in advance by calling 07306 134652.
South Wales Argus
11-07-2025
- Business
- South Wales Argus
Caerphilly council leader on community support for buildings
Caerphilly County Borough Council is encouraging local groups and organisations to work with us as we consider alternative uses for buildings and land through a process called 'Community Asset Transfer' (CAT). There are already a number of exciting CAT projects underway to bring assets back into use - recent examples include a former Meals on Wheels building being turned into a gym in Rhymney, and only last week we agreed to transfer the Tredegar Park toilet block in Risca and land at Dan Y Graig for community use. Additionally, some sports clubs are also seeking to carry out CAT on playing fields and pavilions. We are also seeking to secure a new future for a number of our smaller library buildings across the area, as we transition to delivering a new Library vision. This will see our focus switch to delivering enhanced library hubs in our key town centres. We have already had a number of expressions of interest in our library buildings, so many in fact that we have recently agreed to extend the deadline for bids. We've made the process of applying for a Community Asset Transfer even easier than before. Below are the key steps from start to finish: Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) EOI appraisal and recommendations Business Plan submitted (If required) Appraisal of Business Plan Terms agreed and transfer Details of available properties and sites can be found on the CCBC website: (search 'community asset transfer'). If you would like an informal discussion regarding a particular asset, please contact CATenquiries@ or call 01443 866218. Please come forward to find out more about the range of sites and opportunities that are available. This is your chance to help secure the future of key assets for the benefit of the whole community. Councillor Sean Morgan is leader of Caerphilly County Borough Council.
