Rural towns and villages in Flintshire have been empowered to sustain key facilities, improve the built environment, and strengthen their resilience thanks to a range of innovative schemes.
From integrating sustainable energy solutions to upgrading and repairing community spaces, more than 40 businesses and social enterprises in remote or semi-remote locations have been boosted by an investment of nearly half-a-million pounds from the UK Government Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).
From Gwaenysgor Village Hall building a vegetable garden that grows produce which is free to those who need it, to improved energy efficiency at Talacre Community Centre, residents across the region have benefitted from a host of projects.
Another beneficiary was Halkyn Castle Wood, which received support from Flintshire County Council via the Cadwyn Clwyd-administered Flintshire Tourism Growth Fund.
The education and wellbeing facility installed a 2,500W solar generator providing renewable electricity to light the more remote parts of the site, improving visibility and safety.
The 47-acre woodland also utilised the financial aid to purchase additional equipment, including bell tents, marquees, a communal midi tepee, tables, a storage container, and more than 20 benches.
Used to host forest schools, outdoor weddings, festivals, teacher training, and retreats, the venue’s appeal and practicality was further boosted by the construction of a new fence.
Halkyn Castle Wood director Vanessa Warrington said: “Our facilities provide safe spaces for people to connect with nature, so the fund has been crucial in helping us increase our capacity to accommodate as many visitors as possible.
“The tepee, tents, and marquees have also meant we can open up our offering during the colder weather, as we have an area to provide shelter, which is great.
“The feedback we’ve had from visitors has been fantastic, and I’m thankful that the scheme has allowed us to bring our vision to life to meet our community’s needs. I hope people will follow our journey by searching for resilience at halkyn castle wood on Facebook.”
Other rural organisations that bolstered their offering include Pontblyddyn Cricket Club, which upgraded its pavilion, and Treuddyn Community Association which optimised the energy usage of its village hall thanks to the Flintshire Community Key Fund.
Similarly, projects such as the Ambition North Wales SME connectivity assessments scheme have supported Flintshire businesses by equipping 16 enterprises in remote areas with expert guidance on how to implement innovative wireless technology.
Water safety training provider River And Sea Sense (RASS) also benefitted from UKSPF support thanks to Bangor University’s Skills and Innovation Voucher (SIV) programme.
The not-for-profit was awarded a midi voucher to promote its services and messaging through an educational video produced by the university’s students and academics.
Founder and owner Debbie Turnbull said: “I visit hundreds of schools, colleges, and universities across North Wales to inform youngsters about the risks of open water and how to stay safe, so the video will really enhance my talks.
“The footage will also be used on my website and promoted through RASS social media accounts and emails, which will help me secure funding from organisations such as the Flintshire Local Voluntary Council (FLVC) in the future.”
Councillor Chris Dolphin, cabinet member for economy, environment and climate, said: “Flintshire County Council is passionate about improving the lives of all its residents, so seeing the difference the projects have made to those living in rural areas is wonderful.
“From upskilling talent, to investing in green infrastructure, I believe the schemes have proven effective at meeting each community’s needs, and I look forward to watching the social enterprises and businesses thrive in the years to come.”
Rural communities across the county received more than £450,000 from Flintshire County Council’s allocation of the UK Government Shared Prosperity Fund.
