Community groups in Market Drayton are celebrating after receiving almost £50,000 in grants from the town council.
Eight organisations were presented with cheques by Market Drayton mayor Councillor Roy Aldcroft at a council meeting last Thursday.
The largest amount went to the Greenfields Sports Association (GSA) which received £35,000 towards the cost of new floodlighting and ground equipment for the sports facility used by league and cup winners Market Drayton Town FC.
GSA treasurer Steve Walwyn described the plans as “key projects” for the year and said the town council’s financial support was much appreciated.
“On behalf of the GSA, I’m absolutely delighted that the town council has given us the full grant that we applied for.
“What it will allow us to do is pursue a couple of key projects, one of which is to build a new shed to house our equipment and replace our tractors.
“We’re also going to put up floodlights on the training area to allow all the teams to train during the winter.”
Another group to benefit was the Market Drayton Community Car Scheme which has provided transportation to elderly and disabled people in the town since 2004.
It received £4,000 and coordinator Olivia Matthews said: “We’re absolutely delighted to get that kind of support from the town council and our team of volunteers really appreciate the recognition shown for their involvement in the success of the scheme.
“It’s all about helping local residents, mainly senior citizens and the disabled, to visit the doctors, hospitals, shops and go on holiday.
“We’re hoping more people will use it for social events and to visit friends to get them out of their isolation and loneliness.”
Cheques for £1,000 were each presented to Market Drayton Tigers FC, Market Drayton Pezenas Twinning Association and Taste of the Town, while the Drayton Civic Society received £1,500 and Maurice Chandler Sports Centre £2,000.
Councillor Aldcroft said: “The town council is pleased to support charities that are providing activities and helping people within the community.
“We recognise the amount of hard work that volunteers put in and it’s good to support that with a cash grant where it’s available.”
By Winston Brown
