Tameside council has awarded nearly £1m to 24 community projects across the borough through the Pride in Place Impact Fund (PiPIF). The local authority distributed £807,000 to organisations including community centres, sports clubs, green spaces, parks and libraries.
PiPIF is a government programme designed to support visible improvements that strengthen community pride and local neighbourhoods. Funding was targeted at projects in Tameside's seven towns and surrounding communities outside Ashton and Hattersley, as those areas are already benefiting from separate long-term Pride in Place investment programmes.
Councillors step aside over interests
At the latest town hall meeting, several executive cabinet members left the room during votes on projects in which they had declared an interest. Councillors Laura Boyle, Mike Smith, Teresa Smith, Stephen Homer and Joe Kitchen each withdrew from proceedings when their respective projects were considered.
Declaring an interest ensures councillors do not use their powers for personal or financial gain. The successful bids were confirmed at the meeting before the funding was released.
Council leader welcomes community schemes
Speaking after the meeting, Tameside council leader Eleanor Wills said: "We want this funding to make a real difference in communities right across Tameside.
"The projects have been developed by local organisations and community groups that know their neighbourhoods best and understand what will have the greatest impact for residents. It is heartening to be able to offer meaningful support in our communities and invest back into – and show appreciation for – organisations who are central in delivering support to our residents.
"From improving community buildings and public spaces to creating more accessible facilities and enhancing green spaces, these projects will help strengthen community pride and leave a lasting legacy for local people.
"I'd like to thank everyone who has got involved in the process, submitted applications and helped to shape the schemes."
Full list of funded projects
The following projects were granted funding by the town hall:
- Church Family Garden Project, Dukinfield (£6,593.88): Safety improvements, new fencing and paving to enhance a community church garden.
- Woodend Green Gateway, Mossley (£55,500): Creation of a community garden within the Woodend Mill complex.
- Mossley Refurbishment and Enhancement Zone, Mossley (£65,000): Improvements to shopping, business and hospitality areas, including enhancements to vacant shopfronts (Coun Stephen Homer declared interest).
- Old Chapel Unitarians, Dukinfield (£31,066): Refurbishment of the community hall floor and installation of new energy-efficient stage lighting.
- 2nd Stalybridge Scouts, Stalybridge (£7,500): Upgrades to toilet facilities to support wider community use of the Scout Hut.
- Denton West End Community Library, Denton (£70,293): Refurbishment works including new doors, windows, storage space and improved paving (Coun Mike Smith declared interest).
- Mossley Community Centre, Mossley (£50,795): New windows and doors, redecorations and other improvements to enhance the community facility.
- Rycroft Hall, Audenshaw (£34,059.83): New outdoor lighting to support more community events throughout the year (Coun Teresa Smith declared interest).
- St Mary's Church Access Road, Newton (£31,400): Repairs to improve access to the church and community hall.
- Audenshaw Residents Group, Audenshaw (£5,096): Alleyway improvements between Hazel and Hawthorn Street, including new paving and clearance works.
- The Together Centre, Dukinfield (£33,190): Expanded and improved car park, accessible parking, landscaping and pedestrian access improvements.
- Inspiring Animal Therapy CIC, Broadbottom (£12,000): Conversion of an animal stall into an accessible toilet to improve inclusivity.
- St George's Community Centre, Denton (£60,984): Replacement of the community centre roof to protect the building and support ongoing activities (Coun Mike Smith declared interest).
- Grafton Centre, Hyde (£53,250): Refurbishment including accessible toilets, upgraded heating and emergency lighting.
- Aldwinians Rugby Club, Audenshaw (£16,641): Improvements to the function room, audio-visual facilities, lighting and accessible toilets.
- Friends of Sunnybank Vale, Droylsden (£33,779.65): Improvements to the pond area, gates and pathways to make the green space more accessible.
- Building Brighter Futures: 1st Haughton Green Scout & Community Centre Refurbishment, Haughton Green (£80,820): Modernisation works including upgrades to heating, kitchen, toilets and accessibility.
- Friends of Tame Valley, Denton/Hyde (£19,000): Restoration works to protect a historic retaining wall and improve long-term safety and stability.
- Gee Cross Green Future Proofing, Gee Cross (£23,611.23): Installation of new and improved play equipment within a community green space.
- Droylsden Little Theatre, Droylsden (£10,000): Upgrades to lighting, theatre technology and backstage communication systems (Coun Laura Boyle declared interest).
- James North Memorial Bowling Club, Hyde (£38,586): Improvements to walkways and restoration of the memorial garden to improve accessibility and community use (Coun Joe Kitchen declared interest).
- Yew Tree Community Centre, Denton (£33,240.12): Restoration and improvement works following flood damage, including building and play area upgrades.
- Valley to Village Green Scheme, Haughton Green (£24,050): Improvements linking Haughton Dale Nature Reserve, the village centre and playing fields.
- Denton Youth Football, Martin Fields, Denton (£6,800): Accessibility improvements and boiler repairs to enhance facilities for users.
