Local MP Robbie Moore has visited two Keighley based community organisations to hear more about how the organisations will benefit from government’s levelling up funding, awarded through the Community Ownership Fund announced in the Budget in March this year.
The Joint Activities & Motor Education Service (JAMES), an independent School and learning organisation operating at the Tramshed in Keighley received £121,670 from the government to undertake a range of renovations to their premises, including roof repair works.
Founded in the 1980s in response to high reoffending rates among young people in Keighley, JAMES offers a range of programs to improve well-being and support for disadvantaged young people and families in the Keighley area. Last year, JAMES supported 707 participants in Keighley (2022)
The Sangat Centre on Marlborough Street in Keighley also received £140,500 of funding from the government to enable the community association to complete the refurbishment of the centre and undertake essential replacements.
The Sangat Centre provide vital services for our community including social day care, adult educational opportunities and youth clubs, and this funding will mean that the Sangat Community association can provide these services at an improved and refurbished Sangat Centre.
The projects were two of 98 “Community Ownership” projects across the UK awarded funding to save local assets at risk of closure.
The government have now opened a further round of funding for the Community Ownership Fund which is open for applications up to 12th July 2023. The purpose of the fund is to enable incorporated voluntary and community organisations, and parish, town and community councils to take ownership of assets at risk of loss in your community.
Robbie Moore MP said:
“Following this Conservative government’s announcement in March that two of our brilliant community organisations were successful in their bids for Community Ownership funding, it was fantastic to visit JAMES and the Sangat Centre this week to receive an update on their exciting plans for redevelopment.
Both JAMES and the Sangat Centre work tirelessly for our community and it was great to see such enthusiasm and excitement about how this funding will be used on local community assets to ensure they are being used for the community long into the future.
This funding will ensure that JAMES and the Sangat Centre’s services can be significantly enhanced. I am very pleased that our Conservative government are issuing funds directly to key projects which will benefit young people across Keighley. I am now working with other organisations to see what additional funds our town can achieve through the Community Ownership Fund.”
