TWO Newport community projects are celebrating after being awarded a combined funding total of £232,000 by the Welsh Government’s minister for communities and tackling poverty, Lesley Griffiths.

Bettws in Bloom, a voluntary organisation providing training courses, job clubs and a range of social activities will receive £180,000, while Newport Credit Union, which offers affordable financial services to local people, has been awarded £52,800.

The funding will provide a new support structure and roof for Bettws in Bloom, extending the lifespan of the building, reducing maintenance costs and improving safety.

The renovation will enable the charity to provide a range of new activities, such as youth clubs, a mums and tots group, and keep fit classes.

Last year the group, based on Lambourne Way, opened two new kitchens with lottery funding.

They were used to replace old kitchens which had been used since the centre opened about 15 years ago.

The funding for Newport Credit Union will enable the organisation to move from its current cramped premises in Market Arcade, into larger premises in the city’s indoor market.

The credit union’s manager Kieron Deneen said they had made their interest clear in getting funding from the Welsh Government last October and that a full bid for funding was submitted in March.

He said: “The credit union movement is Wales’ best kept secret.”

The not-for profit organisation has about 50 volunteers who go into schools and teach children about responsible saving.

Community minister Mrs Griffiths said: “Bettws in Bloom and Newport Credit Union truly serve their communities, providing quality services and support to local people.

“Bettws in Bloom provides a huge range of activities from training courses to Brownies clubs, while Newport Credit Union’s ethical financial services help increase people’s financial literacy, confidence and well-being.

“The money will enable the projects to expand their work further, throwing opening their doors to even more people in the local community.”