SEVERAL new schemes have been put forward to share in a £1.2m government spending bonanza for the Ribble Valley.

Upgrades to Castle Street in Clitheroe, a pilot CCTV scheme for Whalley and various improvements to the changing rooms, drainage and car park at Mardale Playing Fields in Longridge have benefitted from UK Shared Prosperity Fund allocations to date.

And following on from the £715,000 dished out to the borough for 2022-23 and 2023-24, borough council chiefs expect Ribble Valley will be given £1.2m for the following financial year.

Six initiatives have been discussed by a working group reporting to the authority's policy and resources committee.

Around £100,000 is wanted to secure an event space for e Townley Garden, including possible CCTV cover and improved lighting. Another £25,000 would create a community space, possibly with allotments, for the village of Barrow.

Another £100,000 has been discussed for an outdoor play area for pre-school children, a new health activities room and extension for crafts, to be overseen by Whalley Educational Foundation at the Old Grammar School.

Part-funding of £60,000 has already been secured for a potential pump track for Kestor Lane in Longridge and UKSPF money could improve on that venture.

Major funding is still being sought to develop a wood walk by Primrose Community Nature Trust, including the installation of a new bridge.

Proposals for a new community park or sports centre for Whalley have since been suggested but it is unclear whether this could be achieved within the scheme's timeframes.

And Whalley Chamber of Trade has applied for £60,000 to cover a year-round programme of events and mini-festivals to support traders locally.

Ribblesdale Wanderers Cricket and Bowling Club is after up to £30,000 to deal with a failing wall close to its practice facility and provide extra lighting.

Ribble Valley Sports and Recreation has submitted a bid for £80,000 to pay for a spinning room at Roefield Leisure Centre.

Nicola Hopkins, council economic development director, said: "Following consideration of the schemes by the working group at the time of writing this report it is suggested the following schemes are supported utilising the 2024/25 funding (on the proviso this funding is confirmed and received) - Townley Garden Event Space, Barrow Community Space, Whalley Education Foundation and Pump Track, Longridge."

Councillors will discuss these recommendations at a meeting tonight.