Rural grants on offer from Torfaen council

A local charity is the second Torfaen organisation to benefit from the Branching Out Fund.

All Creatures Great and Small Animal Sanctuary in Llanfrechfa has received a grant through the Torfaen Rural Development Plan (RDP) - a project delivered through a strategic partnership and a local action group, creaTe.

Val Taylor, a trustee of All Creatures Great and Small Animal Sanctuary, said: "We specialise in the care of unwanted and often abandoned or abused animals, with the aim of providing a caring service of the highest quality to help all animals in need.

"We are delighted to receive this funding as it will help us restore an old barn into a training and visitor facility. This new facility will eventually enable us to become more sustainable and will improve the standard of care we provide."

Local farmers, businesses and community groups can apply to creaTe for grants up to £5,000 to help develop enterprise through diversification activities.

In addition to the grant, the RDP team will work with All Creatures Great and Small Animal Sanctuary to help it through the planning process and access additional external funding to make the project a reality.

The RDP, which runs until 2013, is funded through the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) and aims to:

• Improve the quality of life in rural communities
• Strengthen the farming and forestry industries
• Safeguard and enhance Torfaen's environment and rural heritage
• Foster competitive, sustainable businesses and thriving rural communities.

There are seven wards in Torfaen classed as rural and rural-based business in these areas could be eligible for grant from the Branching Out Fund. The wards are Llanyrafon South, Blaenavon, Abersychan, Cwmynyscoy, Llantarnam, Two Locks and Wainfelin.

For more information on the RDP, contact 01495 742146.