A packed room full of residents at Eirias Park Leisure Centre in Colwyn Bay decided the future of several local community projects across Colwyn Bay and Old Colwyn.
The final stage of the ‘Your Bay, Your Say’ initiative saw over 100 residents turn up to decide which projects would receive funding through a Participatory Budgeting (PB) initiative supported jointly by North Wales Housing and the Welsh Assembly Government’s North Wales Coastal Strategic Regeneration Scheme, and facilitated by TCC and the Wales PB Unit.
Representatives championing each proposed project were asked to give a brief presentation to the entire audience, offering a background of their project and explaining what benefits it would give to the wider community. All local residents attending were then asked to give each one a score from 1 to 10. All the scores were added up and the results announced, live, on the same night.
Project ideas had been submitted from local people and groups across the area. Eleven projects were given the green light for funding on the night and work will get going on each one straight away. Amongst the winning bids were, ‘TDM Twisted Dance and Music’, which has now been given a boost to stage a community music and dance event as well as Pen y Bryn adventure playground which will benefit from support to extend its outdoor play area. The BUD programme, to strengthen children’s skills by working with dogs was another popular scheme.
Local Environmentalist Cliff Prout is set to be honored with the erection of two signs dedicated to him, signposting walkers towards the Cwm Teg coastal path. An outdoor reading area will also be introduced at Ysgol Pendorlan where readers of all ages will be encouraged to get together to enjoy outdoor reading sessions.
Amie Cavanagh of North Wales Housing said:
“The final part of this initiative was fantastic, there was a huge buzz and strong community spirit. With the support and contribution from presenters and voters alike it was an excellent climax to a brilliant initiative.”
“Very worthy projects were proposed and chosen by the residents and we look forward to working with the groups individually to get each off the ground very soon.”
Bill Ellis-Jones of TCC and the Wales PB Unit said
“This is PB at its best; the Welsh Assembly Government and North Wales Housing should be justly proud of their project, ensuring that funding goes where it’s most needed and where the Community makes all the important and sometimes difficult decisions”.
Christine Sayle of TDM said:
“This was Brilliant! What an amazing night, and the kids were really made up to have won their bid. Now we have this funding we’ll put on a fantastic show for the Town. Thanks to everyone for making this possible.”
Deputy Minister for Housing and Regeneration, Jocelyn Davies AM said:
“Your Bay, Your Say is an excellent example of how we can work with communities to deliver what they want in their area. Regeneration works best when the local community is at the heart of the decision making process as they are the ones who understand the needs of their community best. I am therefore delighted to be supporting the scheme.”
http://www.nwha.org.uk/en/latest-news-and-events/residents-choose-at-project-funding-event
