The fifth and final round of applications for the Strong Communities Grant Fund has taken place of which one Penarth based proposal has been recommended for approval.

The purpose of the Strong Communities Fund according to the most recent report is to: ''enable community groups, the voluntary sector and town and community councils to apply for revenue and capital funding that promotes initiatives within the Vale of Glamorgan consistent with the Council's vision of Strong communities with a bright future".

The Lower Penarth Community Association has been recommended to receive £3398.51 for a new heating system.

A variety of other applications were made to the fund but have been deferred for later consideration.

These include Penarth Town Council's applications for Pembroke Terrace play area alongside an application for open space notice boards.

Sully & Lavernock Community Council's application for an outdoor gym was also deferred.

A total of 19 applications were received for this round of funding with 12 being recommended for approval overall.

Grants totaling £565,391 have been allocated to 44 projects across the Vale of Glamorgan since the start of the funding programme in April 2017.

Those approved in rounds 1-4 for funding had an contributed to projects that are in excess of £1.3 million in value.

The successful applicants in Penarth and the surrounding areas were:

• East Vale Community Transport - Replace minibus plus initiative to attract volunteers

• Llandough Community Council - Multi use games area

• Dinas Powys Scout Group - Extension to scout hall

• Sully Community Cinema - Equipment for community cinema

All of the projects that were granted funding are stated to ''offer far reaching benefits to communities across the Vale''.

The final decision on this round of funding will be decided by Cabinet on Monday 21st October.

The report also goes onto discuss the future of funding. It states: There is a clear and demonstrable demand for financial support from community organisations across the Vale.

''The wide benefits this support brings to communities are already being realised as is the value of the Strong Communities Grant Fund in supporting the Council's Reshaping Services agenda.

''Discussions are now taking place with funding partners to explore options for extending the Fund for a further period of up to three years.

''It is suggested that surplus funds from the existing programme be held in reserve to 'kick start' a new programme.

''Recommendations following these discussions will be reported to Cabinet and it is anticipated that a report will be presented for

further consideration on the future of the fund before the end of December 2019.''