Cash to help community (From Stroud News and Journal)

Cash to help community

A GROUP set up to regenerate Stroud is offering community groups cash to help them do just that.

Project Stroud is inviting community groups with project in the pipeline to apply for grants of up to £1,000 to give them the boost that will get them off the ground.

Any projects that will benefit the community and improve life in the town and surrounding parishes will be considered.

There is a pot of £10,000 available for this round of grants and applications between £50 and £1,000 will be considered.

"We are working hard to develop ideas to help our communities in the long term, but we also want to celebrate what is already happening here," said Bob Hughes, chairman of the Project Stroud steering group, which is spearheading regeneration in Stroud and nearby parishes.

"At the recent Project Stroud roadshow and the Party in the Park, local folk told us that they wanted us to help the community to help itself.

"We're delighted to be able to respond positively.

"We are calling these projects Quick Wins because they will make an immediate impact in the community, and they show what can be done to breathe new life into Stroud and villages. "All they need is some quick funding to get them started.

"It may be that your group wants to plant bulbs or trees in a piece of wasteland, or buy play equipment, or start a youth club, or publish a newsletter.

"All project ideas that benefit the community will be considered." Any community group can apply for a Quick Win grant. "Project Stroud will be making up to 18 awards of between £50 and £1,000," said Mr Hughes.

"Obviously, we would expect the larger awards to be given for projects that will make a larger impact.

"As a Quick Win project, your idea should need no other funding to make it happen, be ready to go now, and should encourage people to see what is already being done to regenerate our area."

Applications can come from any group in Stroud itself or the surrounding parishes of Cainscross, Randwick, Rodborough, Thrupp, and Whiteshill and Ruscombe. Applications must be in by the end of November.

For application forms and more information all Graham Stanley on 01453 767376 or 07885 042785.