Monmouth Off Street Project is celebrating after being awarded £69,000 from the Tri-Service Armed Forces Community Covenant Grant Scheme.

This is the first grant that has been awarded in Monmouthshire since the county council formed a partnership with the Ministry of Defence earlier this year.

Monmouth Off Street Project (MOSP) is a community group which was formed several years ago, with the aim to provide a new Skate Park and BMX Pumptrack for the young people of Monmouth.

The group is made up of young people, local businesses and interested agencies, including Monmouth Neighbourhood Police, Monmouth Rotary, adventa and Monmouthshire County Council.

MOSP has identified a piece of land off the Rockfield Road, opposite the fire and ambulance stations, and is now working with MCC to secure a lease and obtain planning permission for the Skatepark and the BMX Pumptrack.

Shirley Hughes of adventa, who has been working with MOSP since its formation in 2010, said: "This is fantastic news for the group that they have been awarded a grant from the MoD.

"Once permissions are gained, we have enough funding to get Phase 1 of the Skatepark build underway.

"The group have been busy fundraising over the last three years, and this will continue, as well as applying for other grants/ donations/ sponsorship so we can reach our target of £180,000.

"We are grateful to the Monmouthshire Community Covenant Partnership, which is chaired by Councillor John Prosser, for putting our application forward to the final round, and thus being successful."

The next fundraiser is an 'Italian Evening' which is being held in the Shire Hall on Thursday 19th September, when CSO Joe Facchiano will be preparing an authentic Italian meal.

Councillor Prosser said: "This grant will enable the skate group to actually build a facility for the young people of Monmouth to enjoy for years to come."

The MoD Community Covenant Grant is open to any community group initiating projects that will not only benefit the local community but also armed forces personnel, their families or veterans.

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Further information can be obtained from Debbie McCarty at Monmouthshire County Council on 01600 710623 or email [email protected]">[email protected]