Comhairle nan Eilean Siar PRESS RELEASE 26 March 2002 For Use: Immediately

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Success Of ACE Schemes

The continued excellent response from community groups is a clear indication that the ACE Option and ACE Challenge grants schemes are enabling communities to access funding for projects that provide much needed long term environmental and amenity improvements, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar’s Housing Committee heard today.

The scheme was launched by Comhairle nan Eilean Siar in September 2000 as a means to provide funding to community groups for environmental and amenity improvement works in residential areas. Projects that have benefited include the creation of picnic areas and seating areas to the development of tourist trails and play areas. Areas throughout the Western Isles have accessed funds through the scheme with funding being approved for projects in almost every Community Council area.

The Housing Committee heard that a major factor in the success of these projects was the level of involvement by local communities and by local Members which helped to ensure that the end results had real community ownership.

Housing Chairman George Lonie said: “This scheme undoubtedly offers an additional means for communities to improve their local environments and to decide what are the priority schemes. Now in its second year, the scheme also frees up additional money from outwith the Comhairle allowing communities throughout the Western Isles to develop and improve their environments”.

Projects presented for ACE funding require matching funding from sources outwith the Comhairle.

Ends

Issued by Nigel Scott
Communications Officer

Tel: 01851 709389 (Work)
Tel: 01851 706412 (Home)
Tel: 07884 236103 (Mobile)
email: nscott@cne-siar.gov.uk