Community Groups Get Millions To Improve Public Space

Community groups in South Bucks will be able to spruce up their neighbourhoods with the launch of a new lottery-funded grant programme worth £50 million.

The grant programme is called 'Community Spaces', and will provide grants and support to community groups wanting to make their neighbourhoods cleaner and greener, with awards being made to help local people improve and create play areas, community gardens, parks, village greens and other community spaces.

Groundwork UK is managing the programme, which is funded by the Big Lottery Fund, and will make small and medium grants of between £10,000 and £49,999 available to community groups that want to create and improve public spaces in their neighbourhoods.

The grant process will be in two stages, with the first stage a short application form to put forward ideas. Groups that are successful at this stage will be offered support from trained facilitators to help develop their project and turn ideas into reality, as well as assisting with the second stage application.

South Bucks District Councillor Shorne Tilbey, Portfolio Holder for Community, said, 'Good quality, accessible open spaces can make a big difference to the community. I would encourage any community groups in South Bucks that want to improve community space in their area to consider applying to this fund and help make South Bucks an even better place to live.'

Grants are available on a rolling basis for three years, and 'Community Spaces' is able to meet the full cost of the project, if successful. For more information on the Community Spaces programme and details of eligibility requirements, visit the website at www.community-spaces.org.uk (Opens New window) or contact the advice line on 08453 671671.

Publication date: 28 April 2008