A successful council grants scheme is supporting more than 50 sports clubs and community groups across Barnsley to grow and thrive.

The Pride of Place initiative was designed to empower local communities and enhance their environment by investing in heritage assets, green spaces, community centres and events.

In total, £547,124 has been awarded in grants ranging from £5,000 to £30,000 to a variety of projects delivering a huge range of benefits.

One of these is a children’s climbing frame which was unveiled this week at Royston Park, thanks to a successful bid by Royston Green Spaces Group.

Cllr Caroline Makinson, chair of Royston Green Spaces Group, said: “This grant will fund an information board in the park’s orchard, as well as this play equipment, both benefitting the children who use the park.

“Volunteers have worked hard with local members over a number of years and will continue to explore opportunities to bring further improvements to the park.”

Other successful bidders for Pride of Place funding include:

• Ingbirchworth Petanque Club, which is using its grant to create a new petanque terrain and improve the accessibility of their site for people with disabilities and mobility issues.
• 4 Corners Community Interest Company, which is funding youth boxing and sports sessions.
• Tankersley Community Association, who are using their grant to pay for new modern catering facilities.
• Higham Cricket Club, who are investing in a new play area and community garden.
• Beacon SY Carers Support, whose funding will go on providing art and counselling sessions for carers.
• Penistone FM, which has upgraded IT equipment for training volunteers at the community radio station.
• Darfield Cricket Club, which will benefit from new changing rooms.
• Forge Community Partnership, which runs a cookery and life skills project at Milton.

The Pride of Place scheme, funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and delivered by our Stronger Communities team, received an overwhelming response from local groups and organisations, showcasing the innovation and creativity of the Barnsley community.

We have been working closely with the grant recipients to ensure the successful delivery of the projects and to monitor their outcomes and benefits.

Cllr Wendy Cain, Cabinet Spokesperson for Public Health and Communities, said: “We are delighted to celebrate the allocation of funding under the Pride of Place grants scheme, which has been a fantastic opportunity to support and empower our local communities.

“The scheme has enabled us to invest in our heritage, our environment and our people and to make a positive difference in the lives of our residents.

“We are proud of the grant recipients' achievements and the impact they are making on their communities.”

The grant award process was overseen by a series of panels convened in November and held over six months. All bids were carefully considered to make sure that the chosen projects aligned with the fund's objectives.

We will continue to encourage community-driven initiatives by fostering collaboration and engagement.

Photo caption: Members of Royston Green Spaces Group and cabinet spokesperson for public health and communities, Cllr Wendy Cain, with children from the Cool Kids R Us summer holiday programme.

Note for editors: A full list of successful bidders is available on request.