RESIDENTS of Portskewett are set to benefit from a major investment in community facilities following the successful efforts of local ward councillor Lisa Dymock to secure £133,000 in funding for improvements to Portskewett Recreation Hall.

The funding, approved by Monmouthshire County Council's Cabinet, comes from Section 106 contributions linked to the Crick Road development. Section 106 agreements are legal arrangements that require developers to contribute towards local infrastructure and community projects to help mitigate the impact of new developments.

While the original agreements, drafted several years ago, allocated funding to a number of projects including Caldicot regeneration initiatives, Caldicot Castle and Country Park, and the Cornfield site, Councillor Dymock worked tirelessly to ensure Portskewett also received meaningful investment.

Following discussions with representatives involved in the Cornfield project, agreement was reached to redirect funding towards much-needed improvements at Portskewett Recreation Hall.

The approved investment will deliver modern, accessible toilet facilities within the Recreation Hall and provide a new externally accessible toilet unit for the wider community. The external facilities will benefit visitors to the Cornfield Site, Harold Field, the play park, the Portskewett Multi-User Route and members of Portskewett & Sudbrook Football Club.

Councillor Dymock spent months lobbying council officers and Cabinet Members to make the case for Portskewett. She worked closely with architects to help shape the proposed designs and ensure they reflect the needs of local residents and hall users. She also met with contractors to obtain quotations and gain a detailed understanding of the practical requirements and costs involved in delivering the project.

Commenting on the decision, Councillor Dymock said, "I am absolutely delighted that this funding has now been approved. I have worked hard to ensure that Portskewett received its fair share of investment and that this money would be used on a project that delivers real benefits to our community.

"These improvements will provide modern, accessible facilities for residents of all ages and abilities, as well as the many people who use and visit the Recreation Hall, surrounding playing fields and community spaces. I know many residents have waited a long time to see investment in these facilities, so I am incredibly pleased that we are now in a position to move this project forward.

Portskewett and Sudbrook Recreation Hall Chairman Stuart Cochrane welcomed the announcement, saying, "This is fantastic news for Portskewett and everyone who uses the Recreation Hall. For many years, the committee has worked hard to maintain and improve the hall for the benefit of the community. Despite being at the heart of village life since it was built in the early 1970s, the hall has seen relatively little investment over the years, making these improvements particularly welcome.

"The new facilities will not only improve the experience for our regular hall users but also for visitors to the surrounding recreation areas, sports clubs and community spaces.”

The Cabinet report notes that, subject to the next stages progressing as planned, the improvement works could be completed during the 2026/27 financial year.