Nantyglo Communities First Receives Cheque for £1000

Cowlin Construction, a Balfour Beatty company, recently presented a cheque for £1000 to members of Communities First, towards the Nantyglo 5-year Action Plan.

Committed to engaging and supporting the local community wherever it works, Cowlin has liaised with Communities First, during the construction of a new Housing with Care Scheme for United Welsh, to identify and support community projects.  As well as their pledge of £1000 for the Action Plan Cowlin has provided furniture to two young people starting out in their first homes and has agreed to fence the play area at a local travellers site.

Communities First is a Welsh Government flagship programme to improve the living conditions and prospects for people in the most disadvantaged communities across Wales.  Nantyglo Communities’ First Partnership Board is made up of individuals who either work or live in the community of Nantyglo and have a common goal that is ‘To make Nantyglo a better place to work and live’. 

The Nantyglo Action plan is a comprehensive partnership document that outlines the physical development needs of the community.  The aims of the plan were collated through consultation with voluntary groups and Blaenau Gwent Local Authority.  Nantyglo Communities First works with a variety of groups, organisations and volunteers to encourage new ways of working together to create community cohesion, training opportunities, youth programmes and regeneration of Nantyglo.  Projects on the plan include: improving pathways, safe routes to schools/safe routes in communities, parking improvements, environmental events, a luncheon club, after school club and traveller projects

Based in Nantyglo and due for completion in July 2011,  Llys Nant y Mynydd is a brand new Housing with Care scheme which will provide top quality accommodation for older people.  The development has been commended by a Communities First report, with Welsh Government planning to use it as an example of best practice in terms of contribution towards the community.

Mark Stephens, Cowlin Project Manager, commented: “Our involvement in the community since the start of this project has enhanced the construction experience here in Nantyglo.   We are proud of our contribution, which we know will have a positive and lasting impact well after we’ve gone.”

Steve Bower, Chair of the Communities First Partnership Board, said:” This work is a true example where partnership work can benefit the whole community.”

Anthony Whittaker, Chief Executive for United Welsh, added: “At United Welsh we feel it is essential to work with partners who share our ambition to invest in local communities.  Cowlin Construction consistently illustrates exemplary community activity and we are thrilled that they are supporting such a worthy project.”

 

 

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