The first tranche of grants for community projects - funded by Pembrokeshire’s second home Council Tax premium - have been approved.

Over £42,000 in grants ranging from £1,550 to £25,000 were awarded at the inaugural meeting of the Enhancing Pembrokeshire Panel in County Hall, Haverfordwest, on Friday July, 13.

The Enhancing Pembrokeshire Grant aims to fund projects addressing the mitigating issues of second home ownership in the county while adding value to local communities.

The county council currently levies a 50 per cent Council Tax premium on the 3,974 second homes in Pembrokeshire.

Bob Kilmister, the Authority’s Cabinet Member for Finance, said: “Today was the culmination of a lot of hard work to put together a scheme that will make a huge difference to the communities of Pembrokeshire

“We've approved five projects that were very diverse, from all corners of the county and we are really looking forward to receiving many more applications from communities across Pembrokeshire in the coming months and years.”

The five community projects successful in their bid for funding were:

• the Badgers Short Mat Bowls Club of Amroth and Saundersfoot: awarded £4,000

• Ysgol Llanychllwdog PTA: £1,550

• Neyland Town Council: £5,730

• Save Our Skrinkle Park, Manorbier: £5,728

• Tenby Museum: £25,000.

The grant panel - which comprises county councillors - is expected to meet every two months.

The next meeting is scheduled for October and the deadline date for applications is September 14.

To apply for a grant contact the Authority’s Regeneration team on 01437 775536 or email: enhancing.pembrokeshire@pembrokeshire.gov.uk to register the project and request an Expression of Interest form.

The Regeneration team can also support applicants to develop their projects and bring applications together.

The application process and grant criteria is available in more detail on the Council’s website at: www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/grants