THE first phase of £1million project is underway in Hubberston and Hakin.

Supporting Hubberston and Hakin Community Centre, a summer play scheme, community fun days, improvements to Hubberston Community Association's play park, and new pitches for Hakin FC junior section are just some of the projects underway, thanks to the £1million Invest Local programme in the area.

Earlier this month, community representatives received the welcome news that out of the 13 communities in Wales chosen for the Big Lottery-funded Invest Local programme, the Hubberston and Hakin Community Forum are the first to be successful in having their ‘Driving Change Plan’ approved.

The initial allocation of more than £100,000 follows an 18-month consultation with local people to determine how best to deploy the £1 million for community initiatives in Hubberston and Hakin over the next ten years.

Projects supported by this first tranch of funds include the Hubberston Community Association's play park to the rear of Haven Drive (£40,000); new junior pitches at Hakin United AFC (£12,000); buggy paths at Milford Haven Golf Club (£12,000) and Hubberston/Hakin Community Centre (£20,000).

Five thousand pounds has also been made available for a series of ‘fun days’ in the area.

Milford Haven sea scouts recently ran a very successful event at Gellyswick Bay and others are planned over the next few weeks by the town's golf club; Hakin United AFC; Milford Haven RFC and Hubberston Community Association.

And, during the school holidays, regular children's play days are scheduled based on Hubberston and Hakin Community Centre.

The Community Forum recently received a letter from BCT chairman Graham Benfield congratulating it on being the first in Wales to secure "Driving Change" funding and wishing it success in their continuing efforts to strengthen Hubberston and Hakin.

For more information about the programme, visit bct.wales