Community groups and organisations can now apply for a rural support grant from Cheshire West and Chester Council.

The Rural Support Fund accepts applications from community organisations, charitable groups and other constituted groups who are carrying out work for the benefit of their local community.

Successful applications to date have helped deliver projects for village hall and community hall refurbishments, sports facilities, play area schemes and environmental improvements across Cheshire West.

Match funding

To be eligible, project delivery must be for capital based projects within the rural area of the borough. The project will require a minimum of 50% match funding from other sources.

Prospective applicants can apply for between £2,000 and £10,000. Projects should be completed within a year after receiving funding.

Applications would be particularly welcomed from community groups and organisations in the following wards: Davenham and Moulton, Hartford and Greenbank, Helsby, Kingsley, Little Neston and Burton, Winsford Swanlow and Dene, Witton and Rudheath.

Louise Gittins
Louise Gittins

Cllr Louise Gittins, chair of the Rural Support Steering Group, said: “The Rural Support Grant, administered by the council’s Rural Regeneration team is aimed at supporting the capital costs element of community focused projects.

“We encourage local organisations to submit their project proposals that are aimed at improving access to services and will support its residents in creating economic and environmental sustainability for the whole of the community.

“We are keen to encourage local groups and organisations in areas of the borough that have not previously applied for the rural grant and may have a proposal that would be eligible for financial support from this funding stream.”

The deadline by which applications must be received is 5pm on Friday, December 18.

For further information about the Rural Support Funding grant contact Cheshire West and Chester’s Rural Regeneration team on 01244 977475/01244 973165 or email ruralsupport@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk.