RAPLOCH IS A WINNER WITH THE COMMUNITY
- Community Enterprise scheme gets European recognition -A Raploch project which has helped more than 40 unemployed locals back into work has won a top European award.
The Raploch Urban Regeneration Company's (URC) Community Enterprise programme has won the European Social Fund (ESF) award for "making the greatest impact in a community".
The Community Enterprise, supported by ESF Objective 3 funding, offers training opportunities in construction and horticulture. Now moving towards becoming a sustainable business, the enterprise has so far helped upwards of 40 unemployed locals become involved in the regeneration of Raploch subsequently secure full-time employment.
In winning the award, Community Enterprise was praised for its innovative use of a Community Benefits in Procurement (CBiP) clause which ensures that any developer or contractor involved in the regeneration offers local people at least 10% of jobs created.
Councillor John Hendry, chair of the Raploch URC board, said:
The ceremony at Glasgow's Hilton Hotel was attended by over 350 people who each voted independently in a secret ballot for nominees across 20 different category awards.
Community Enterprise triumphed over fierce competition from BTCV (British Trust for Conservation Volunteers) and North Edinburgh Childcare for the coveted title.
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A spokesperson for Community Enterprise said:
“Raploch is a place locals are proud to call their home. There are people queuing up to buy houses in Raploch and it is the people of Raploch who will be building them through the Community Enterprise project.
The Enterprise exists to benefit the community and we will continue to work with the people to meet this goal. ”
For further information about the Community Enterprise please call 01786 465 825.
