Fears that RCA could be scrapped

3:45pm Friday 16th May 2008

Comments (1)   Have your say »

NATIONAL Assembly Member for Monmouth Nick Ramsay has spoken of his concern that the Welsh Assembly may pull funding from Monmouthshire's Rural Community Action group.

Rural Community Action works in partnership with Monmouthshire County Council, the Welsh Assembly and the Gwent Association of Voluntary Organisations to provide support for local projects by helping community groups achieve their goals. Currently, RCA is having to re-apply for funding.

Local AM Mr Ramsay has written to the Welsh Assembly expressing his support for the group, which will have to be wound-up if the government refuses their appeal.

Mr Ramsay said: "I have recently had a meeting with a representative from Monmouthshire's Rural Community Action group and was angered to hear that the Welsh Assembly Government could remove their funding, which ultimately would result in the winding-up of the group.

"In my role as local Assembly Member I have had the pleasure of visiting Monmouthshire's RCA group on a number of occasions and have been most impressed by the support they are able to provide local community groups and projects, in association with the local authority.

"I am most concerned that a decision to remove funding will have a dire impact on Monmouthshire's communities. Strong local communities are the lifeblood of rural counties like Monmouthshire and this is something that the Welsh Assembly needs to recognise."