£1m cash boost for Bradford community groups

WREN has operated in Bradford since 2003 and has worked closely with Bradford MDC over the past four years to provide support for projects across the District that enhance local community facilities for the benefit of people living there.

Stewart Bunney, Yorkshire Project Manager for WREN, said: “WREN and WRG are delighted to have reached this milestone in Bradford. Over the past four years we have been able to support some excellent projects that have really improved local communities and hopefully the quality of people’s lives.

“There is further funding available throughout 2007 and I would encourage community and environmental groups to come forward and contact us about possible grants.”

Councillor Anne Hawkesworth, the Executive Member for Environment and Culture, said: “A number of projects in the Bradford district have benefited from WREN funding and the council has also supported community groups in their applications.

“I am pleased to see the money being put to good use, providing skate parks and playgrounds for local children.”

The funding has supported a wide variety of projects, including:

Windhill Forward New Community Centre – A fantastic new community centre was built in Windhill which has become a hub of local activity. The new building offers a range of facilities for the local community and has the added bonus of a garden and play area for the crèche.

Bradford Wetlands Construction –Pitty Beck and Chellow Dene Beck were developed, improving bio-diversity and providing areas for local people to enjoy. Bradford MDC worked closely with the local community to develop the project which has been a great success, with both sites seeing major improvements.

Myra Shay Play Area – A brand new children’s play area has been installed at Myra Shay providing a great place for local children. The new equipment is a vast improvement of the play facilities in the area and a great boost for the local community.

Cooperville Youth Access – Improving facilities at Ripple ED in Buttershaw. Funding was used towards improving access and internal facilities to allow more young people from the local area to use the centre.