For the past 100 years the Ystradgynlais community have leased the Welfare playing fields for tennis, bowls, cricket, football and rugby as well as being used for community events. Volunteers are now raising funds to raise £100,000 in order to secure the ground for another 100 years.
Fay raised the issue in the House of Commons with Leader of the House, Jacob Rees Mogg MP:
“Ystradgynlais Community Welfare Ground Association is working hard to raise £100,000 to secure a 50-year lease on the playing fields in Ystradgynlais, so that the rugby club and other community groups can continue to use the facility and grassroots Welsh rugby can continue to thrive. I will be submitting a bid to the UK Government’s community ownership fund and will urge Powys County Council to step in as well”
The UK Government Community Ownership fund has been designed to help communities take ownership of assets and amenities at risk of closure. It is part of a crucial package of UK Government funding launched over the summer to support communities and to make sure that nowhere is left behind. Funds are available across the United Kingdom to voluntary and community organisations so they can manage their most treasured local community assets which may be at risk.
Coming out of a pandemic, the importance of this vital community asset is more important than ever before for grass roots Welsh rugby to continue thrive.
Knowing that Mr Rees-Mogg’s family come from Wales, Fay asked him to wish Wales good luck against New Zealand, and called for him “to consider granting time for a debate on how we can secure the future of Ystradgynlais Community Welfare Ground Association’s playing fields?”
He replied:
“I am delighted to wish Wales luck against New Zealand. I am looking forward to an heroic victory of our fellow countrymen that will inspire many across the country.
I also wish my hon. Friend every success in her campaign for funding for her rugby club, which I know is an important community facility. There are opportunities to apply for money, and she is very good at working out which ones to pursue. I cannot commit Her Majesty’s Treasury, but I encourage my hon. Friend to keep on pushing. Perhaps, Mr Speaker, in your benignity, you might grant an Adjournment debate so that the issue may be discussed further.”