CALDICOT looks set to receive a big financial boost of more than £100,000 if funding plans are approved today (4th May).

Section 106 funding from the Taylor Wimpey housing development at Church Road, Caldicot and the ASDA development at Caldicot could be allocated to improve Caldicot’s town and its playgrounds.

The creation of a budget of £91,788 by Monmouthshire County Council (MCC) has been proposed to carry out works to upgrading and improving playgrounds at Caldicot Castle and Cas Troggy.

The funding will come from Section 106 monies taken from the housing development at Church Road, Caldicot.

The total amount of Section 106 funding generated from the site was £162,288, Cabinet previously agreed that £69,500 of the section 106 monies should go to the 3G pitch in Caldicot.

According to a report published by MCC, both these play areas in Caldicot have deteriorated and the equipment is now out of date and in poor condition.

Leader of MCC, Peter Fox, said: “The £90,000 will be used to upgrade local play areas at Caldicot Castle and Cas Troggy.

“This will really enhance those play areas and will address the much needed work on them.

“It’s really great that these play areas can be significantly improved, there are many children in the area and they deserve to be able to access the very best of play facilities.

“All local councillors agree that this money should be invested in this way and we look forward to the improvements being undertaken.”

Caldicot Town Team has also requested £8,097.50 of Section 106 contributions received from the ASDA development to enable specialist markets in the town to become monthly events.

The town team submitted a business case earlier this year to receive funding for the markets, calling for MCC and the town team to work together to maximise the potential of the town’s market.

Caldicot Town Team launched a pilot project last year to run three specialised markets throughout the year, these included: a spring market, an arts and crafts market and a vintage market.

A total of 10 specialised market days have been planned for this year.

In the business case that went before the Severnside Program Board earlier this year, the Caldicot Town Team said: “With the changes proposed, the results will be almost instantaneous. A better, modern, uniformed market place, with a modern system in place to take bookings and advertise the market.

“Businesses within the town welcome the changes to improve the market, feeling that it is currently detrimental to their businesses.

“Caldicot Town Team will have a more professional role within the market sector. Caldicot market has huge potential and our partnership with MCC will enable us to exploit and draw more attention and trade to Caldicot.”

It is hoped the new revamped market will increase footfall in the town centre and income for both MCC and Caldicot Town Team.

The town team has also requested £4,446 of Section 106 monies from the ASDA development to create a pop up shop in the town centre.

The team is seeking the funding to run a project enabling potential business start-ups to run a test trading retail unit or an event in Caldicot town centre.

The aim is to revitalise the high street and improve perceptions and opportunities within Caldicot town.

The funding of £4,446 will cover the cost of signage, leaflet and poster production and advertising.

MCC’s Cabinet will meet later today to discuss the funding proposals for the area.