Inclusivity and sustainability on the rise in Flintshire thanks to government-funded programme 

A Flintshire-based cricket club is just one of more than 30 key social enterprises that have undergone a transformation to develop, strengthen, and enhance infrastructure. 

Thanks to the Flintshire Community Key Fund, administered in partnership by Cadwyn Clwyd and FLVC, organisations ranging from sports and social clubs to community hubs across the county have been empowered to increase equality and inclusivity, reduce carbon emissions, foster biodiversity, and improve digital technologies.

One such recipient was Connah's Quay Cricket Club, which has installed new flooring throughout its clubhouse, helping level the ground and improve access for those with disabilities. 

The upgrades were made possible thanks to the Flintshire Community Key Fund receiving money from Flintshire County Council’s share of the UK Government Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).

The financial backing also enabled the Central Park outfit to cater to its growing number of female members as well as overall visitors, which include participants in groups for dance and fitness, reading, and a disabled adults social club, by increasing its ladies and accessible toilet facilities by 50 per cent.

In addition, a mural depicting the club’s emblem has been created in the changing rooms, whilst the outside has undergone a transformation with 350 metres of astroturf laid to help create an inviting social area.

Connah's Quay Cricket Club chairman Nick Pratt said: “Our aim is to create a safe, welcoming space for anyone in the community to use our facilities, strengthen their relationships, forge new bonds, and ultimately take part in something they love.

“We are more than just a cricket club, and thanks to the support of the Flintshire Community Key Fund, we’ve improved our accessibility and have seen a huge increase in social groups using our site for meetings and gatherings.

“The feedback from members and visitors has also been overwhelmingly positive and we’ve received many compliments on how fresh and modern it now feels.” 

Supporting 33 community-led establishments within the county, the Flintshire Community Key Fund received £953,850 from Flintshire County Council’s allocation of the UK Government Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).

Cadwyn Clwyd community enterprise officer Helen Williams said: “The Flintshire Community Key Fund is designed to help residents build a sense of belonging and pride towards their local area, so seeing the positive impact the changes have had amongst residents in Flintshire is very pleasing.

“Utilising the UKSPF, we have been able to support the transformation of a wide variety of spaces, such as town and village halls, museums, community centres, and cafés, all of which we hope will leave a lasting legacy for generations to come.”

Councillor Chris Dolphin, Flintshire County Council cabinet member for economy, environment, and climate, said: “The support from the Flintshire Community Key Fund that has been delivered across the county is evidently making a difference – as seen in the increase in visitors and members at Connah’s Quay Cricket Club.

“Overall, the UKSPF programme has played a key part in cultivating a more inviting, sociable, and healthy Flintshire whereby all members of society have increased opportunities to foster new relationships and nurture their natural talents and abilities.”