Millions of pounds worth of grants for Flintshire infrastructure projects awarded despite financial squeeze

Flintshire County Council’s Cabinet has awarded millions of pounds worth of grants to schools, learning disability services, leisure centres and libraries.

Castell Alun High School and Glan Aber primary school have been identified as having the most ‘pressing needs’ requiring extension and remodelling of current buildings.

A total investment of £4.6m has been allocated for work at Castell Allun and Glan Aber will benefit from an investment of almost £1m.

– Castell Alun High School is to be extended with the provision of a new two storey Art and Design Technology block and remodelled in other areas. Start date 2018/19 financial year.

– Glan Aber primary school, Bagillt will see the conversion of the existing hall to provide two suitable teaching spaces and the construction of a new hall, appropriate for the number of pupils on roll, together with minor extensions to three classrooms. Start date 2017/18 financial year.

– A total investment of £4m has been allocated for the construction of a brand new learning disability day services facility which will replace the existing Glanrafon centre in Queensferry. This is part of the Council’s commitment to day care for service users.

– Disabled Facilities Grants annual allocations of almost £1.5m have been identified for adaptations enabling residents to continue to live independently in their own homes.

– There is an increase of £100,000 from 2017/18 onwards to introduce a programme of toilet upgrades in both primary and secondary schools.

– Play areas and synthetic sports pitches, an additional allocation of almost £900,000 over three years has been identified to fund replacement of play equipment, upgrades to play areas and replacement of the playing surface of synthetic sport pitches which are in poor condition.

– Undertaking improvements at leisure centres and libraries, which will enhance service provision. Total investment for these improvements is £454,000.

Councillor Aaron Shotton, Cabinet Member for Finance said:

‘Despite the council facing an unprecedented financial challenge, we have set out a clear and ambitious capital programme over the next four years for infrastructure and schools. I’m pleased that we will be able to undertake these improvements at the leisure centres and libraries as well as investing in our schools, showing that Flintshire is a forward-thinking and innovative council investing in the well-being in our county.”