This Jubilee year, South Norfolk Council are tripling the amount of funding they are giving to community groups to support local initiatives.

Grants of £1,000 to £15,000 are available through their Community Action Fund for projects that will enhance residents’ quality of life.

Cabinet Member Cllr Alison Thomas, Chair of the Community Action Panel, said:

“Over the years we have helped countless projects come to fruition through these grants, funding everything from skate parks to befriending schemes and as seed funding to support larger scale projects like the Pennoyer Centre.

“This year to mark the Jubilee and to help give our communities a boost, we have tripled the money in the pot.” The money can be used for a wide range of projects that directly support the community. Last year, the Council provided funding for Barford Village Hall to replace a leaky roof, allowing community activities to resume.

Gissing Children’s Centre was awarded funding in 2019 to improve to their outdoor play area, so that the children could be active outside in all weathers.

In 2018, the fund supported Poringland Fishing Lakes to obtain a permanent electricity supply, to improve the water quality and help ensure the lakes were fit for purpose.

Recently, the Council gave £15,000 to the Brooke Park Committee who used the money to help replace dangerous and rotten equipment at the local park.

Local Mum, Beth Tilman, said: “The transformation has been amazing. It’s now a lovely safe place for families to meet and children to play.”

The play park opened in Spring last year and features a combine harvester with a slide and climbing wall, a pump track, a camel slide and a wooden teepee.

All the equipment was chosen by primary school children in the area, as well as adults through a Facebook survey.

Applications to the Community Action Fund close on 24 June. Proposals will be assessed for suitability before being considered by a panel in July.

To apply, please contact your local Councillor, or for more information contact the Communities Team on 01508 533914, or visit South Norfolk Council’s website.