Twenty-six community projects in Pembrokeshire are to receive grants totalling £630,735 from the Enhancing Pembrokeshire scheme.

The Pembrokeshire County Council grant scheme uses funds raised via Second Homes council tax to support new projects that help add value to communities and address the negative impact of second homes.

The grant panel put forward 26 projects for endorsement by Cabinet following consideration of 40 applications in October.

Cllr Neil Prior, Cabinet Member for Corporate Improvement and Communities, said:“Enhancing Pembrokeshire has been a really successful scheme which has seen £3.2m invested in 185 projects across Pembrokeshire.

“I think we have really active communities in Pembrokeshire, especially with our partners in the voluntary sector, and Enhancing Pembrokeshire is one of the ways in which we can enable them to continue to build capacity, capability and confidence and do the great things that they do.”

The 100 per cent Council Tax premium on second homes will generate circa £5m for 2022- 23, with 25 per cent allocated to the Enhancing Pembrokeshire scheme.

As well as endorsing the 26 applications, Cabinet approved a proposal by Cllr Prior for a review of the procedures and policies of the Enhancing Pembrokeshire grant application process.

Some of the projects include: the promotion of Saundersfoot as a dementia friendly community, improved play areas in Carew and Jameston, a community kitchen and wildlife garden at Goodwick Primary School, Naafi breaks for veterans, and improvements to the Coronation Hall at Dale, the Foundry House in Pembroke and Yr Hen Ysgol in St Dogmaels.

The grants will be awarded to community and strategic projects in Pembrokeshire put forward by: