I have dedicated myself to actively supporting our community by securing funding for a wide array of initiatives, groups, and organisations. My commitment is rooted in a deep understanding of our community's diverse needs and the belief that through collaborative efforts, we can achieve meaningful improvements and opportunities for all. Through tireless advocacy and strategic support, I strive to ensure that every project I champion makes a significant impact to our community's growth and prosperity.
Radnor Arms Hotel
As your MP, I am absolutely delighted that the group behind the Radnor Arms has prevailed in their Community Ownership Fund bid. Pubs are at the heart of rural communities and restoring the Radnor Arms Hotel will breathe life into an incredibly special part of Radnorshire.
When I visited the pub in May, I was struck by the passion and determination of the members of the Community Benefit Society. Hence why I set about pressing the case for the pub in Westminster and I am very glad that both the Secretary of State for Wales and Department for Levelling Up saw the potential of the plan. I want to say an enormous thank you to everyone involved in the bid and especially to the Interim Funder who stepped in to save the Radnor Arms for the town. This is such positive news and I cannot wait to see the work get underway, thanks to this funding.
After closing in 2016, the pub was purchased by an interim funder to hold it for the community, whilst members of it formed the Community Benefit Society in order to fund raise to pay for it. The group plans to refurbish the pub and restore it to its former glory with the help of grant funding, a community share issue and generous donations from local residents. Following the success of the pub’s application to the Community Ownership Fund and the generous support from an Interim Funder, work can now start to complete fund raising and to bring the pub back to life.
List of awardees here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/community-ownership-fund-first-round-succes…
Hay Festival
I have also helped to secure £500,000 for the Hay Festival.
It is really fantastic news that the Chancellor has announced half a million pounds in funding for Hay Festival in the Autumn Statement.
The Hay Festival holds a special place in my heart as a bastion of literature and I know it is extremely important to the local community. But it is important to also point out that so many other businesses rely on this bastion of literature and this funding will help secure further local jobs and growth into the future.
