More than £125,000 of Government funding allocated to community projects in South Staffordshire
A village memorial garden and an outdoor gym are just two South Staffordshire projects set to benefit from Government funding.
South Staffordshire District Council’s cabinet approved seven funding applications for schemes to support residents of all ages at its meeting on Tuesday (November 18).
The authority was allocated a £1.25m share of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and £146,792 from the Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF) to be distributed in the district during 2025/26. On Tuesday cabinet members agreed to distribute more than £51,000 from the UKSPF towards three projects, including £24,220 for Cheslyn Hay Parish Council’s memorial garden at Chapel Square.
A report to the cabinet meeting said: “Chapel Square is currently owned by South Staffordshire Council who will be leasing the land to Cheslyn Hay Parish Council. The parish wish to create a memorial garden opposite the war memorial in the centre of the village to create a sense of local pride and belonging with seating areas where members of the public can sit and reflect – the area will also be used for local community events such as Remembrance Sunday services and the lighting of the Christmas tree.”
More than £22,000 has been allocated towards Young Enterprise sessions in schools across the district. The programme enables young people to develop life skills to enable them to move from education to future employment.
Alzheimer’s Society will receive £4,667 to continue providing support for district residents affected by dementia. Residents and carers can receive assistance such as community networks and access to support groups, as well as funding towards assistive technology items.
REPF funding totalling more than £75,000 was awarded to four projects on Tuesday, including £25,000 for outdoor gym and accessible play equipment for Marston Field in Wheaton Aston. The cabinet report said: “Through extensive resident engagement and expert consultation, Lapley, Stretton and Wheaton Aston Parish Council has designed a space that includes an inclusive outdoor gym, accessible play equipment and a professionally-designed bike pump track—ensuring free, safe access to physical activity, social interaction, and intergenerational connection.”
More than £23,000 is being awarded to Essington Rugby Club so it can carry out improvements to facilities to make them more accessible and inclusive. Work will include creating designated disabled parking spaces, improving external access to the building by installing ramps where required and creating a fully accessible disabled toilet area.
Swindon Parish Council will receive £5,500 towards installing solar panels at Swindon Community Centre. The project aims to lower energy costs and reduce carbon emissions.
And Cheslyn Hay Parish Council is being allocated £25,000 towards work to boost the gateway to the village recreation ground. Drainage improvements are planned as well as resurfacing of the area, to provide easier access for wheelchairs, pushchairs and mobility scooters and parking space for dog walkers, cyclists and other recreation ground users.
