June 2003

 

Phase I
40 projects are in progress, 2 are physically complete, and 1 is being developed (probably the last Phase I project to be approved).
We have committed nearly all of our grant.
We have given £2.3M in grants to community groups.  This is £500K lower than target but grant giving in May accelerated rapidly so we are still confident of being back on target by the end of the project.
We are set to overachieve on all our outputs except hectares of new community woodland on non-agricultural land.
39 projects are on course for physical completion as contracted or as varied by mutual agreement.  One project is currently at high risk of failure.

Phase II
The bid format and basic guidelines for Phase II have been approved.
We already have 150 potential projects on our books - a fantastic position to be in - but are still keen to hear about other potential projects.
We have one project in progress and are currently actively developing one other bid.  We have already given £22500 in grants to community groups - double our target.  
Phase II targets for 2003 are modest but there will be an acceleration in Phase II activity after the end of Phase I in March 2004.

Team news
The main office for Cydcoed has moved temporarily to Blaina (contact details below).  A move to permanent accommodation in Abertillery is planned for August 2003, contact details to follow when appropriate.
The new Programme Administrator started on 10 July 2003.  The new Project Officer for South East Wales was scheduled to be in post by the end of July.