THE MP for Chirk and the Ceiriog Valley is encouraging heritage projects in his constituency to apply for National Lottery Grant Funding.

Clwyd South MP, Simon Baynes, is urging the projects to apply for the National Lottery Grants for Heritage which provides grants from £3,000 up to £5million.

The funding is for heritage projects that contribute to the UK’s recovery from the Coronavirus pandemic.

Mr Baynes insists he is aware that projects need support after the impact of the challenging year.

He said: “For many heritage organisations across Wales, including those in Clwyd South, the last year has been the most challenging ever faced. I know that many organisations and projects feel precarious and need support.

“That’s why I’m very pleased that the National Lottery has reopened applications for Heritage projects.

“This has the potential to boost local economies, encourage and sustain local jobs and opportunities, support wellbeing and ensure heritage plays a part in creating better places to live, work and visit.

“I’d encourage all Heritage projects in Clwyd South to look into this vital funding opportunity which could mean a big boost to the local area.”

Ros Kerslake, chief executive officer of The National Lottery Heritage Fund, believes heritage is vital to communities across the UK.

She said: “Heritage has an essential role to play in making communities better places to live, creating economic prosperity and supporting personal wellbeing.

“All of these are going to be vitally important as we build back from the pandemic.

"During 2020 we focused on supporting heritage across the UK to adapt and respond to the immediate impact of the Covid-19 crisis.

“By the end of this financial year we will have supported more than 1,500 organisations across the heritage sector with over £500million of National Lottery and Government funding.

“Our focus now is to support the heritage sector to strengthen its recovery and to build back for positive change – reopening applications for heritage projects is key to the success of this.”

For further information on eligibility and how to apply, visit www.heritagefund.org.uk