People Power

So, Action Porty's campaign to buy Bellfield Church for the local community took another giant stride forward this week. The group's application to the Scottish Land Fund was successful and the Scottish Land Fund Committee have approved a grant of £647,500. One of the first urban applications under the new rules. There will be up to £570,000 towards the purchase of the church and halls, depending on the outcome of the independent valuation process, and other money to pay some of the other costs involved in the transfer. However, in order to get the money they need the support of the local community. A ballot will be sent to every member of the local community and only if a majority vote in favour of the proposals will the money be made available. And while it is a lot of money, it still won't meet the total cost of purchase so there will also need to be local fundraising to make sure it can all happen. So, not there yet, but well on the way to a fantastic community-owned space!