OVER £19,000 has been given out to the Pontypool community through project funding and grants.

Since May 2013, Pontypool Community Council has given out £19,465 in grants to local organisations through their local project funding and grant aid schemes.

Recipients of local project funding awarded between May and December, which amounted to £10,815, included various dance clubs, sports clubs, community halls, Scouts and schools.

The Garndiffaith Millennium Hall received funding of £300.

Its secretary Carol Hewitt said: “The money helped us with our heating and electric bills.

“If the money wasn’t awarded then we would have to find it through fundraising, so we are very grateful for their support as it’s a huge help.”

Grants and grant aid awarded between the same period, which amounted to £8,650 went to OAP clubs, support groups including Pontypool Pacers Heart Support Group and charities such as Wales Air Ambulance.

The chairman of Pontypool Community Council, Cllr Giles Davies, said: “Without this funding a lot of local groups would struggle to survive and a service to young and old could be lost.

“Funding is spread across a variety of organisations from dance clubs to Scout groups and is enjoyed by many.”

In total 70 groups have benefited from local project funding and 33 from grant aid in the financial year so far.

He added: “During times of austerity every penny given out is well received and put back into the community via these groups.”

If you’re a group in the Pontypool area and haven’t yet applied, then contact your local community councillor, or contact the community council on 01495 742805.