£50k lottery grants offered across north

Three village communities in Northern Ireland are celebrating after being offered Lottery grants of up to £50,000 to run social enterprises.

Aughintober Regeneration has been given £50,000 to create a business in the village of Castlecaulfield, near Dungannon, to provide jobs for unemployed young people.

Tanvally and Anaghlone Project plans to use its £50,000 to carry out improvements to its rural community venue just outside Banbridge. It plans to turn it into a hub for local businesses.

And St Joseph’s Craigbane GAC has been offered £50,000 to set up a community gym in its sports centre in Park in Co Londonderry. The aim of the gym is to boost the health and fitness of local people.

Frank Hewitt, Big Lottery Fund NI chair, said: “We are delighted to announce the funding offers for these innovative projects which are testament to the strength and creativity that exists in this rural community.”

The Big Lottery Fund is urging other rural communities with populations of less than 3,000 across Northern Ireland to|make the most of the funding scheme before it closes on September 12.

Grants of between £10,000 and £50,000 are available for projects from community-run shops and pubs to energy or transport schemes, and craft or food projects. For more information visit: www.villagesos.org.uk.