A generous donation from the Coalfields Regeneration Trust (CRT) to Loganlea Miners Welfare has enabled a popular community soft play area to reopen.

Forced to shut at the start of the pandemic, the children’s attraction run by the Pit Stop has remained closed since then.

Now thanks to the £2,964 donation from CRT, Loganlea Miners Welfare have been able to fund a part-time cleaner salary to allow the kids soft play area to reopen.

As well as the soft play facility, which is now open for six sessions a week, the Pit Stop runs a community larder project which distributes quality food at low prices and has continued to operate through the pandemic.

Stuart Douglas, Head of Operations Scotland, Coalfields Regeneration Trust, said: “It is vital to us that we work to support communities that have been negatively affected by the pandemic. We are pleased to be able to help Loganlea Miners Welfare with this donation that has facilitated a safe and clean environment for children to play and have fun. Being active and interacting with others is extremely beneficial for both physical and mental health and we look forward to seeing the positive impact this award will have on the local community.”

This is one of many funding projects CRT has opened to local mining communities after recently announcing the Community Investment Programme, which offers awards of up to £3,000 to charitable and not-for-profit community groups.