£13m fund tackles derelict sites

A £13m scheme to regenerate derelict land and buildings around Wales has been announced.
The fund will be run jointly by the Welsh Assembly Government and the Big Lottery fund for community groups to take over derelict sites now in public ownership.
It could give disused buildings a new lease of life according to the Welsh Assembly Government.
Voluntary groups in Wales said it may secure their future.
The aim of the fund is to help community groups gain public buildings and facilities.
Leighton Andrews, AM, deputy minister for regeneration said a disused school might become a centre for local artists or derelict land might be transformed into a community garden.
"This is a win-win situation," he said. "There are many public assets in Wales that are not being used to their full potential and empowering the community to use these buildings to suit their needs is the main aim of this initiative."
'Generate income'
For voluntary groups who want to buy and improve disused buildings or land currently owned by the local authority the Community Asset Transfer fund will be available from October.
They can apply to the fund which is worth £13m in all.
The Big Lottery Fund will administer the scheme and provide revenue funding, while the Welsh Assembly Government will provide capital funding.
Huw Vaughan Thomas, the chair of the Big Lottery fund Wales said they have been able to make life easier for applicants.
"Our aim is to help more people benefit from their local community assets but also to generate local income and employment," he said.
Lindsey Williams of the Wales Council for Voluntary Action said buying up disused buildings from local authorities could provide an income if they are done up and part of them are then rented out.
"We warmly welcome this initiative and hope we can build on it in the future," she said.
Source: www.bbc.co.uk