A FUNDING organisation which has distributed hundreds of thousands of pounds to organisations across Teesdale for the last 16 years met for the final time last week.
Teesdale Action Partnership (TAP) was set up when the former district council was abolished and the dale became part of the new Durham County Council unitary authority.
TAP was one of 14 area action partnerships across the county, all of which have now been abolished ahead of May’s local elections.
They will be replaced by 12 local networks which will carry out a similar funding function.
TAP’s final meeting was held at The Witham, Barnard Castle, and included a number of presentations from groups that have benefited from its funding.
Chairman Cllr James Cosslett said that in its final year, TAP had been able to help 60 organisations to the tune of £277,985.
“Whether it is a small organisation helping individuals or one of our larger established groups helping people across the dale, our voluntary sector delivers many highly valued services,” he said.
“I know how vital our support can be as the voluntary sector continues to face challenges with increasing running costs and competition for funding.”
He highlighted one particular project – Trades4Care – an innovative scheme which offers on-the-job painting and decorating training for young people.
TAP is funding the refurbishment of a number of village halls and community buildings across the dale through Trades4Care.
“The young people gained valuable skills while our community halls gained a much-needed makeover.”
Other projects to receive TAP support in its final year included £12,000 for new equipment at Woodland play area, more than £5,000 to improve access to the Winston Millennium Green and £8,000 for a new safety boat at teesdale Water Sports and Sailing Club.
Cllr Cosslett thanked the TAP staff, led by co-ordinator Adam White.
“Next year we move into local networks and there is much work ahead to ensure a smooth transition,” he said.
