Cash boost for former south Yorkshire coalfields community

Community groups in Goldthorpe are taking part in the Community Trainer Micro-Grant scheme.

The project, which is delivered by the Coalfields Regeneration Trust, will see local groups spend and deliver the grant in areas that are deemed important for the community.

In Goldthorpe, areas for improvement include public transport, jobs, crime, anti-social behaviour, poverty and child activity provision.

A total of £5,000 was allocated to the Micro-Grant scheme, with £500 awarded to each of the 10 projects, with the scheme expected to last for around five months.

Gemma Cobby, Community Trainer for the Coalfields Regeneration Trust, said: “Each of the groups have put a lot of time and effort into planning these projects and this event was an opportunity for them to showcase their hard work and innovative ideas.

“We’re pleased with the great number of residents who turned out and hopefully the event has encouraged more people within the community to get involved.”

The project was launched at an event attended by local resident, community groups, Wentworth and Dearne MP John Healey and Peter McNestry, chairman of the Coalfields Regeneration Trust.

The eight groups, chosen by a dedicated Micro-Grant Panel made up of local residents, are Goldthorpe Development Group and 6th Barnsley (Goldthorpe) Scout Group, which both received funding for two projects, along with Dearne Playhouse, Dearne Cricket Club, Dearne Allotment Group, Dearne Community Housing, Dearne StayFit and Dial Barnsley.

The Community Trainer Programme was developed to respond to the challenges that exist in former mining communities.

The Coalfields Regeneration Trust is the only organisation dedicated to supporting the 5.5 million people living in British coalfields. The organisation creates programmes in partnership with private, public and third sector business to improve the villages and towns and improve facilities. All projects must be complete by June 1.