About the fund
Cronfa Cymunedau Eryri Communities Fund is a fund for the benefit of communities within and around Eryri that will respond to assist communities to maintain and improve residents’ quality of life and build resilient communities.
The fund was established through an agreement between Eryri’s National Park Authority and the Welsh Government. The National Park Authority administer the fund.
The fund is specifically for capital projects only, with a total of £75,000 available in the 2024/25 financial year. The capital fund will be available to local communities and groups / voluntary organisations for socio-economic resilience projects between £5000–£20,000.
Applications should prioritise the following themes:
- green infrastructure
- improved recreational access for health and well-being
- energy generation
- local environmental improvements such as litter and waste management
- community development
- decarbonisation
Applications
The application deadline for the 2024/2025 was May 13, 2024.
The main purpose of the project was to respond to Covid 19 and to fundamentally rethink the method of holding social meetings, and to do so by making the most of technology in order to deliver the changes.
There was a need to completely re-design the facilities at the Village Hall, so that meetings and events could be held here multi-media style, and the residents of the area have the choice of attending the event in the hall or joining in on a screen from home. The need to have high quality facilities (sound and lighting equipment etc.) was also identified to enable drama companies and bands to hold live performances.
The project has realized its objectives of buying and installing sound and light systems, a loop system for the hard of hearing, and large television screens for holding virtual meetings. The equipment has been installed and is now being used. The benefits can already be seen with Eisteddfods being held in the hall and the Community Council’s hybrid meetings have also commenced.
The project and the new facilities benefit:
- Isolated people who have lost the confidence to socialize during the Covid‐19 period.
- Older or vulnerable people who benefit by joining ‘hybrid’ meetings.
- Organizations will be able to keep in touch with their members during difficult times, and possibly expand their appeal to a wider audience.
- Performers – drama companies, bands and choirs etc will be able to take advantage of the new technology.
The main purpose of the grant was to receive a contribution towards the purchase of the old Spar building on Bethesda High Street to refurbish it as a retail centre, restaurant and heritage centre.
As part of the wider project, there is an electric shuttle bus scheme that picks up tourists from Canolfan Yr Hen Bost and shuttles them to Llyn Ogwen and back. This is part of the vision of creating sustainable tourism in Dyffryn Ogwen as the Beics Ogwen electric bike hire service from the centre providing active and sustainable travel options to tourists and local people.
The project is hugely beneficial for Dyffryn Ogwen on several levels:
- The new centre will improve Bethesda’s tourist offering and the offering for local people
- The new centre will offer workshop/studio units for local artists as well as providing a versatile space to hold training workshops. The new centre will therefore contribute towards strengthening the local economy in Dyffryn Ogwen.
- The new centre will also reinforce the language and culture with a focus on developing a local heritage centre
Bro Machno Community Council were successful in securing a grant through the Eryri Communities Fund to improve community infrastructure. With a focus on accessibility and technological convenience the grant has facilitated the transformation of public toilets and promoted connectivity in the area.
The grant allocation has also extended to improve digital connectivity within the community. Recognising the importance of staying connected in today’s digital age, the council has taken proactive steps to address connectivity challenges. By installing free community Wi-Fi, residents and visitors can now enjoy access to the internet, facilitating communication, access to information and connectivity-driven activities.
A key aspect of the project was to upgrade the village’s public toilet facilities to ensure inclusion for all members of the community. The installation of RADAR access points gives the provision for individuals with disabilities as well as promoting accessibility. The integration of contactless payments methods including card payments and Apple Pay also simplifies the process and offers convenience to residents and visitors.
The Eryri Communities Fund has recently provided essential finance assistance towards erecting solar panels on Bala Golf Club’s roof. Not only does this significant development emphasise the club’s commitment towards sustainability but also brings additional benefits to the local rural area.
In a rural area like Bala a club like this serves as a community hub which provides social and leisure opportunities. This project will ensure that the club can continue to operate and provide opportunities for people to come together and enjoy outdoor activities.
Installing solar panels on the club’s roof will have a significant impact on the club’s energy usage and associated costs. Through harnessing the sun’s energy the club will reduce their dependence on traditional energy sources significantly which will lead to a reduction in their energy bills. The savings can then be re-invested in the club’s facilities to improve players and members’ experiences.
Prysor Angling Association (PAA)
The aim of the scheme was to regenerate Canolfan Prysor, the old social club on the shore of Llyn Trawsfynydd.
The building underwent significant renovation, including a new roof for part of the structure and the installation of 50kW rooftop solar panels.
The financial and environmental costs of the centre’s extensive use of fossil fuels were high. Therefore, installing solar panels on a south-facing roof made perfect sense. This has enabled the centre to reduce its carbon footprint by 8 tonnes.
Menter Gymunedol Llanuwchllyn
With the support of the Eryri Communities Fund 2024-25, a total of 31 panels and batteries have been installed, providing a system with a capacity of up to 13.795 kW.
The Eagles’ electricity consumption is high due to the extensive electrical equipment on site, and the installation of these panels is crucial in reducing reliance on grid electricity.
This will not only reduce the building’s carbon footprint but also result in significant cost savings, making the building more sustainable.
The work has raised the quality of the building, and raised the confidence of the committee, leading to other projects within the pub and the wider community. The scheme has also resulted in increased community cohesion by bringing people together to develop the project, and then by enhancing the Eagles’ community resource – bringing people together to socialise, whether that’s in the pub, shop or restaurant.
