A COMMUNITY arts group that helps showcase the talent of Tyldesley is set to expand after securing a major cash injection.

Cadence Café CIC has been given £188,200 through the Wigan Council’s Deal for Community Investment Fund to pay for a new home where it will be able to offer an expanded range of activities.

Cadence was first set-up as a pop-up café in 2012 to give young people an opportunity to learn and play music and get involved in other performing arts but it has grown into a permanent focal point for the community.

The money from Wigan Council will mean it will be able to offer activities for older people during the day while focusing on its youth work in the evenings.

Ian Jackson, director and founder of Cadence, said: “Winning this bid is a fantastic thing for Tyldesley and holds immense promise.

“We are a small town with a big heart and bursting with fantastic people and building a community hub in the centre will cement that notion. Tyldesley will be put back on the map. This is a very exciting time indeed.”

Cadence has acquired the Tyldesley Top Chapel building on Astley Street to use as a multi-purpose community hub.

The money will also pay for cultural, recreational and educational activities for people of all ages including the elderly.

Wigan Council launched its Deal for Community Investment Fund in 2013 and has so far provided £4m to charities and community groups.

Lord Peter Smith, leader of Wigan Council, said: “I’d like to congratulate everyone involved in the bid from Cadence. It was extremely professional and their ideas have the potential to make a big difference to the community of Tyldesley.

“I’m already looking forward to seeing how Cadence will transform Top Chapel, giving a great new use to an important building and giving them space to expand their important work.

“Finding the funding has not been easy but careful money management and prudent financial planning has meant we’re able to invest £4m in our communities.”

For more information about The Deal for Communities Investment Fund go to wigan.gov.uk/communitydeal.