Glyn Davies, MP for Montgomeryshire, has backed the ‘Village SOS’ scheme, which has been jointly created by the Big Lottery Fund and the BBC.
The scheme aims to encourage rural revival and inspire people to start community businesses that will breathe new life into their areas and create jobs.
Village SOS makes grants of between £10,000 and £50,000 to rural communities who want to set up new social enterprises. Tools, support and expert guidance are offered to help communities take a step towards starting their own businesses and guide them through the journey from their initial idea to transforming the area.
Village SOS has already supported many shops, cafes, pubs, transport schemes, community broadband and energy projects, set up by locals who worked together to revitalise the areas where they live.
Commenting on the impact the scheme could have on Montgomeryshire, Mr Davies said: “The Village SOS scheme is a great initiative that will help rural areas in reviving their local areas and economies. I encourage all local communities within Montgomeryshire to use the funding and advice that the scheme offers.”
Applications are welcomed from communities with populations of fewer than 3,000 people and must reach Village SOS by 2pm on September 12. For more information about community enterprises and to apply, visit
www.villagesos.org.uk, or email
active@villagesos.co.uk