Big Lottery’s big donation

Oct 23 2008 by David Simister, North Wales Weekly News

Big Lottery’s big donation

A BIG boost has been given to an Abergele charity group after it was announced it had won a £250,000 lottery grant.

Abergele Youth Action, based at Hesketh House on Market Street, was presented with a cheque by representatives of the Big Lottery Fund at a ceremony held on Friday.

This will see the voluntary organisation receive £245,659 over the next three years.

“The project has been running successfully for several years and the funding from the Big Lottery will help us to continue the work that we have started and to develop the services that we offer to young people in the area,” said group member Linda Tavernor.

“The lack of provision for young people in the area limits their opportunities. We are providing social, educational and employment opportunities that they might otherwise not be exposed to.”

Originally formed in 2001, Abergele Youth Action helps to offer training opportunities to the town’s youngsters.

The group opened an internet cafe at its Hesketh House base in 2005 to offer an information portal to town residents and now hopes to develop a coffee shop and meeting place for young residents of the town.

Clwyd West AM Darren Millar, who attended the ceremony, said he welcomed news of the grant, adding that it was important that the volunteer-run group continued its success.

“This really is terrific news. Abergele Youth Action has done some tremendous work over the years,” he said.

“The cash boost from the Big Lottery will enable the charity to continue its work helping young people in Abergele and the surrounding area to develop their potential.”

For more information about Abergele Youth Action call 01745 826570 or visit the group’s website on http://www.itaca-aya.org.uk/aya.html

david.simister