Radstock and Westfield's Big Local Project was celebrating last Wednesday, after receiving the £1 million worth of Lottery funding that has been eagerly anticipated since the news was announced in November 2010.
Big Local was set up to oversee the distribution of the money, with initially £100,000 of the money to be looked after by Westfield Parish Council as its Locally Trusted Organisation. Several small grants have so far been distributed in the run-up to the million being granted, in the form of the popular 'Dragon's Den' evenings, where community groups bid for public votes which saw them win grants of up to £500.
The main purpose for the million pounds is to encourage regeneration and to ultimately, make the money last longer. Therefore, any cash handed out to local organisations or projects will need to demonstrate that it is an investment for the future which will make a lasting, positive difference to the area.
Big Local have also had to write and submit a Plan, by its Steering Group of local representatives, to explain how the money will be spent over ten years and its wider ideas, such as improving transport links, providing more for the youth of the area, employment and small businesses, maintaining existing buildings and public spaces and other ideas, such as the potential for more allotments and a Farmers' Market for Radstock and Westfield. The plan was submitted in November 2014, and with it's approval, the money was released this week.
With the treasure chest now opening, Chairman of the Big Local, Robin Moss says: "A lot of great ideas came out of the two Dragons' Dens, which will grow into bigger projects. £1 million is a lot of money, but we need to be careful how we invest it, as we want to see real results when the ten years are over.
"Training and skills are a high priority for people and that includes making sure that local groups have the skills to attract even more funding. It also means working with the 'new' Norton Radstock College, talking to NRR about using the new community building in the Radstock regeneration area, as well as supporting the Westfield Fun Day and much, much more. I'm sure there are a lot of great ideas out there and residents wanting to join in, so please get in touch and join the Big Local Partnership!"
To find out more and to get involved, email: [email protected]">[email protected]. For further details on Big Local, visit: http://www.myradstock.org.uk">www.myradstock.org.uk or like them on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/BLRadstockWestfield">www.facebook.com/BLRadstockWestfield. A new, interactive website is due to launch in the next few weeks.