Latest news with #UKSharedProsperityFund
Yahoo
4 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Historic south Essex landmark gets facelift thanks to passionate volunteers
WORK to upgrade a much-loved and historic Rayleigh landmark has been completed thanks to fresh funding and the efforts of passionate volunteers. Rayleigh Mount, the site of a medieval motte and bailey castle close to Rayleigh Windmill, is owned by the National Trust and in recent months has seen extensive upgrades to improve accessibility for visitors. On Saturday, stakeholders and funders will gather at the mount for a celebration of the community effort to rejuvenate the 11th century site. We're now on WhatsApp! Join our new channel at to get all the latest breaking news and exclusive stories delivered straight to your phone. Celebratory - Julie Gooding has been involved in the upgrade project (Image: Julie Gooding) 'I am honoured to have been invited to attend the event as a valued member of the National Trust Local Committee, joining fellow supporters, volunteers, and residents in recognising the collective effort that has brought renewed vitality to Rayleigh Mount,' said Julie Gooding, Non-Aligned councillor for Hawkwell West. 'This celebration is not just about a site—it's about a shared commitment to heritage, sustainability, and community. 'Whether you contributed your time at a task day, shared your vision for the future, or simply supported from afar, this is your achievement too.' Education - New displays provide historical information around the 11th century site (Image: Julie Gooding)Since February, residents have been gathering for volunteer task days at Rayleigh Mount, at which much of the now completed works were carried out. The action has been made possible by a UK Shared Prosperity Fund grant from Rochford District Council. 'The recent funding has already made a visible impact at Rayleigh Mount,' said Mrs Gooding. 'Footpath accessibility has been significantly improved, with new handrails installed on the steps leading up to the castle site, making the site safer and more accessible to visitors who may have some access disabilities. Improved - New accessible footpaths have been installed at the mount (Image: Julie Gooding) 'In addition, new signage and information boards now help guide and educate visitors about the site's rich history and ecological significance, enhancing the overall visitor experience.' The castle at Rayleigh Mount is one of 48 mentioned in the Domesday Book, and the only one in Essex. A spokesperson for the National Trust has described the project as 'an ambitious initiative focused on improving access, enhancing environmental sustainability, and fostering nature-based solutions within our local communities.'
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Work at squash club makes it more accessible
Work to make a Lincolnshire squash club more inclusive has nearly been completed. Grantham Squash & Fitness, on Harlaxton Road, received £35,000 from South Kesteven District Council's portion of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund after showing how the changes would make the building more accessible. Club chairman David Goodridge said it wanted to encourage more people of all ages and abilities to use the facilities and become more active, both socially and physically. "We regularly turn down inquiries for events which may involve elderly or infirm people simply because two staircases are involved, but this improvement will make such a big difference to what we can offer the community," he said. Mr Goodridge added: "We completed the first stage of this wider project last summer when we installed electric entrance doors and two internal doors to provide easier access to the gym, toilets, sauna and squash courts. "What we're doing now is making our function rooms upstairs easily available to those with more limited mobility – or parents with pushchairs and prams – so they can join in the various classes and events hosted here. "The lift will also allow people get to the squash court viewing galleries more easily." The lift work is due to be completed in this week. Listen to highlights from Lincolnshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should be covering here. South Kesteven District Council
BBC News
21-05-2025
- Business
- BBC News
East Riding of Yorkshire Council to award community grants
The latest round of community funding grants has been opened by East Riding of Yorkshire Council, with residents able to apply for thousands of pounds to improve where they authority said it would provide grants of between £5,000 and £20,000 to support locally-led initiatives, which included improvements to local high streets, community infrastructure and green categories included the preservation of heritage landmarks, new events, along with schemes aimed at boosting total, £500,000 was available to be allocated, a spokesperson said. 'Build pride' The scheme is supported by the government's UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), which has awarded £1.7m to 64 projects across the East Riding since leader Anne Handley said: "We're proud to support local communities across our region and this is a fantastic scheme to build pride and invest in our local areas. "I highly encourage interested groups to... see how they can get involved."Anyone interested in applying should first contact the council's local growth team to ensure their proposal meets the eligibility can then be made online until 25 June . Listen to highlights from Hull and East Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should be covering here.
Wales Online
21-05-2025
- Business
- Wales Online
Garden centre and cafe with a difference opens in North Wales seaside town
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info A garden centre and cafe with a difference has opened this month. Bryn Euryn Nurseries and Café was officially opened in Rhos-on-Sea. It is a purpose built garden centre, shop and café on Dinerth Road that is open to the public and provides employment mentoring to people with disabilities wanting to get into paid employment. The redevelopment was funded by Conwy County Borough Council with Bodelwyddan-based Wynne Construction as contractor. Additional funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund has supported staff and café contract costs. Cllr Charlie McCoubrey, Council Leader, said: 'I was delighted to officially open Bryn Euryn Nurseries and Café. I'm proud that this investment by Conwy County Borough Council, with additional funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, will enable the team here to focus on supporting people with learning disabilities to learn the skills they need to move on to paid employment.' Cllr Penny Andow, Conwy's Cabinet Member for Integrated Adult and Community Services, said: 'This development is part of our long term vision for Conwy Social Services, helping us deliver our services in a high quality, bespoke environment. "We're proud to be leading positive change for people with disabilities wanting to begin their careers, whilst making sure our customers have the best quality experience. 'The staff and service users are excited to be working at this wonderful new site, and we hope it will become a hub for the local community - offering an open and bright space where people can meet, shop, eat and relax.' Join the North Wales Live WhatsApp community group where you can get the latest stories delivered straight to your phone
North Wales Live
21-05-2025
- Business
- North Wales Live
Garden centre and cafe with a difference opens in North Wales seaside town
A garden centre and cafe with a difference has opened this month. Bryn Euryn Nurseries and Café was officially opened in Rhos-on-Sea. It is a purpose built garden centre, shop and café on Dinerth Road that is open to the public and provides employment mentoring to people with disabilities wanting to get into paid employment. The redevelopment was funded by Conwy County Borough Council with Bodelwyddan-based Wynne Construction as contractor. Additional funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund has supported staff and café contract costs. Cllr Charlie McCoubrey, Council Leader, said: 'I was delighted to officially open Bryn Euryn Nurseries and Café. I'm proud that this investment by Conwy County Borough Council, with additional funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, will enable the team here to focus on supporting people with learning disabilities to learn the skills they need to move on to paid employment.' Cllr Penny Andow, Conwy's Cabinet Member for Integrated Adult and Community Services, said: 'This development is part of our long term vision for Conwy Social Services, helping us deliver our services in a high quality, bespoke environment. "We're proud to be leading positive change for people with disabilities wanting to begin their careers, whilst making sure our customers have the best quality experience. 'The staff and service users are excited to be working at this wonderful new site, and we hope it will become a hub for the local community - offering an open and bright space where people can meet, shop, eat and relax.'
