Shadow Minister for North Wales, and Clwyd West MS, Darren Millar has welcomed news that CPD Y Rhyl 1879 (Rhyl FC 1879) has been awarded £378,600 from the UK Government’s Community Ownership Fund (COF).

The government is providing £150 million over 4 years to support community groups in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland to take ownership of assets and amenities at risk of being lost.

Voluntary and community groups can bid for funding to acquire important assets and run them for the benefit of the local community.

CPD Y Rhyl 1879 (Rhyl FC 1879) submitted a bid in Round 3, and Darren is delighted to hear that it has been successful.

The funding will be used to purchase and secure the future of the Belle Vue football ground, enabling the group to move to a seven days a week community use operation.

Welcoming the news, Darren said:

“I am thrilled that CPD Y Rhyl 1879 (Rhyl FC 1879) have been successful with their application. They have faced a challenging few years, but this funding will save them from the risk of eviction and enable them to expand the services they provide including education and footballing activities, a community social enterprise, out of school term camps, disabled access, and a function room.

“The future of the club was left in severe doubt in 2020 when it announced it was winding up proceedings due to funding difficulties, but fortunately a new ‘phoenix’ football club was established in the town.

“I would like to thank all those who have fought so hard to secure the future of this club, including Vale of Clwyd MP Dr James Davies who I know has repeatedly raised the club’s plight with Ministers and called for support in Parliament.

“Belle Vue is a historic landmark in Rhyl and there will be much celebration in the town today in light of this funding announcement.”