Community groups in Brecon are set to benefit from a £20,000 funding package thanks to Powys County Council’s Anti-Poverty Locality Fund.

The fund, established using Shared Prosperity Funding from the UK Government, allows each Powys councillor to allocate up to £5,000 to local projects. In Brecon, the town’s four Labour councillors pooled their allocations to support a wide range of organisations.

The Westenders will receive £3,000 to help with the running costs of their community space in Llanfaes and to support productions such as their annual pantomime.

A new Lunch Club has been awarded £2,372.16 to purchase tables, chairs, crockery and cutlery so it can provide a much-needed local and social service in the town.

Brecon Festival Ballet will receive £3,000 to support the opportunity for local community performers and students to appear alongside professional performers.

Watton Allotments has been granted £650 to create a wildlife-friendly community space, with produce going directly to local people.

Swap Shop will benefit from £1,000 to help with running costs and to purchase in-demand items for the community.

Brecon Youth Club has been awarded £845 to fund a cinema and pizza night for its members.

The Mews Agency will receive the largest single award of £5,000. This project will see the setting up of a creative studio programme for young people in Brecon. The Muse Studio is located upstairs from Brecon Youth Club, and the programme will offer weekly and half term creative sessions for young people led by two artists and designers. The aim of the programme is to develop creative making and digital skills in young people, alongside positive citizenship.

Flying Start Breakfast with Santa has been awarded £1,000. This funding will enable a family event at Christmas. The project will create a family breakfast at a local school with a visit from Father Christmas - it will be an inclusive and family-focused event.

Brecon Athletic Club has been allocated £1,010 to ensure kit and fees are available to young people who might otherwise be excluded from sport due to cost. Kit would be available for gifting or loan.

Finally, the Brecknock Welfare Trust will receive £2,122.84 to continue its work supporting people in hardship or distress and helping families with cost-of-living pressures.

Cllr David Meredith and Cllr Matthew Dorrance, of Brecon West Ward said: “We are delighted that local projects will share in this funding, and we are pleased that we have been able to use UK Government funding to make a difference to our community.”

“Brecon is a thriving and supportive town with brilliant local organisations and clubs. We know this funding will make a difference to them and the residents who access them," they added.

Brecon East Ward Councillors Chris Walsh and Liz Rijnenberg said: “We are thrilled to see so many grass roots organisations benefiting from this funding. It will help those in need to participate in sport, culture, leisure and importantly access to a hot meal."