AN EVENT was held in Flintshire to shed light on the process of acquiring a council asset for the betterment of the community.

Café Isa in Mynydd Isa hosted an event organised by Flintshire Local Voluntary Council (FLVC) and its umbrella body Third Sector Support Wales (TSSW), to explain the process, positives and potential pitfalls of acquiring an asset from the county council, for the betterment of a community.

Café Isa, formerly Mynydd Isa Libary, was taken over by a group mums in 2016 and is now serving up a tasty combination of lattes and literature at the Mercia Drive centre.

Director of Café Isa Sara Parker held a presentation sharing her experience of the process, incorporating advice for those considering whether they could take on a lease from the county council.

Shaun Darlington, FLVC’s finance and business manager, said: “We’ve worked closely with Flintshire County Council in devising and implementing a supportive process to be followed by community groups wishing to take on responsibility for a space or building.

"Throughout the process, FLVC provides advice and guidance to groups, so we’re well placed to talk about the pitfalls and what can be done to avoid them.

"It’s great to see this event so well attended, and we’re grateful to Café Isa and Flintshire County Council for their support.

"Thanks also go to grant funders for coming along to advise community groups on how best to pitch for help with the costs associated with taking on an asset, and with creating and maintaining a community initiative.”

Those attending the event heard from Flintshire County Council’s Neal Cockerton, Flintshire Council's chief officer for housing and assets, who explained the step-by-step asset transfer process.

He affirmed the council’s commitment to transferring assets to community members with the local knowledge and passion to ensure they are well utilised by catering to the needs, wants and interests of those living in the surrounding area.

The event wound up with questions to a panel made up of representatives from FLVC, TSSW, Flintshire County Council, and funders Community Facilities Programme, the National Lottery Fund, and Social Investment Cymru.

Community Asset Transfers was one focus of this year’s Fire Starter Festival, to which this event contributed.

It aims to create a movement around showcasing and encouraging creativity and innovation for social change and transformation, enabling people to be part of a national programme while still being able to focus on local change and issues.

FLVC welcomes contact from community groups with the passion and drive to take on a space or building on Flintshire County Council’s consideration list.

They can be contacted on 01352 744000, or via info@flvc.org.uk.