Welsh Pubs secure UK government funding to preserve community spirit

Welsh pubs have been granted £694,250 of UK government funding – from the Community Ownership Fund, preserving the spirit of local communities

Pubs in Wales, including the Cross Inn and the Tafarn Crymych Arms in Pembrokeshire, have been awarded £244,250 and £210,000, respectively. They are part of six initiatives across Wales to receive financial support from the UK Government.

Boosting Welsh economy

With the latest announcement, six projects in Wales will receive a total investment of £1.44 million — boosting Welsh economy.

This brings the cumulative funding for the Fund in Wales to £3.2 million, emphasising the importance of supporting community groups in taking ownership of local institutions that have fallen into disrepair or face the threat of closure.

Preserving Welsh pubs and serving local communities

The UK government funding through the Community Ownership Fund will enable local communities to restore these pubs, allowing them to benefit the residents and attract visitors alike.

Recent changes to the Community Ownership Fund have increased the maximum bid amount from £250,000 to £1 million, making it easier for community groups to reclaim endangered local assets.

Wales celebrates success stories across various community projects

Dehenna Davison, UK Government Minister for Levelling Up, expressed pride in supporting initiatives that enable people to take control of community assets like pubs in Wales.

Welsh Secretary David TC Davies celebrated the success of community projects in Wales, which have secured approximately 11% of the total funding available in the current round of the Community Ownership Fund.

Other notable projects in Wales receiving funding include the renovation of the Tabernacle Morriston Community Resilience Hub in Morriston, Swansea, with an allocation of £250,000, safeguarding this iconic heritage asset for future generations.

Additionally, £200,000 will be dedicated to restoring the Tylorstown Welfare Hall in Rhondda Cynon Taf, which served as the venue for the announcement of the Wales World Cup 2022 squad.

Furthermore, the Fern Partnership will receive £300,000 to develop a family facility in Rhondda Cynon Taf, while the Radnor Arms Hotel in Powys has been granted £240,000 to transform the building into a community pub, benefitting the local residents.

By offering a new lease of life to these cherished community assets, the funding will ensure their continuity in providing essential services, generating opportunities, and stimulating local economies.