Funding to help communities make towns greener

Community groups in Durham can now apply for funding to help make their neighbourhoods greener. 

Volunteers can apply for up to £500 as part of the Royal Horticultural Society’s (RHS) It’s Your Neighbourhood campaign.

The campaign aims to encourage communities to come together by providing small groups with funding to get involved with the RHS Bloom and Britain competition.

Ten community groups will be selected based on their relevance to local environmental issues. For example, projects might include cleaning up a local park, setting up community allotments or adding floral or planting displays to outdoor spaces.

This is the fifth year of the funding programme which has previously supported 90 community projects to make a difference in their neighbourhoods.

Cllr Brian Stephens, the cabinet member for neighbourhoods and local partnerships, said: ‘These projects are a fantastic opportunity for people to work together to make a huge difference to their communities.

‘Simple acts, such as planting wildflowers or tidying churchyards and other outdoor spaces can have such a positive effect on those who live and work nearby.

‘The improvements that have been made by previous groups, thanks to the community grant scheme, have been inspiring and have instilled a real sense of pride to so many neighbourhoods. I’m very much looking forward to seeing the benefits of this year’s successful applicants.’

Groups have until January 15 to apply and will find out if they are successful in the grant later that month.

Photo Credit — Pixabay