COMMUNITY groups across the Hambleton area are being given the chance to take a share of £70,000 in a series of local authority funding initiatives.

The district council has agreed to a further year of funding for its Investing in Communities grant scheme.

Grants are being made available for projects that seek to provide the best local solutions to local problems and which demonstrate local support.

Last year over £27,000 was awarded to 15 projects, including the 1st Kyle Valley Scouts, Northallerton Amateur Swimming Club and the Great Ayton and Stokesley First Responders.

Additional funding will be made available to organisations looking to take responsibility for managing and maintaining council assets, such as play areas and recreational land.

Grants of up to £5,000 are available under the Asset Transfer scheme to help cover legal costs, business planning or even improvement works to ensure the asset is fit for purpose before it is transferred into community ownership.

On top of that cash has been allocated for a community grants programme to help groups with revenue projects that will benefit the district.

The projects must address one of the council’s priorities – supporting economic growth, promoting healthy lifestyles, minimising impact on the environment, and encouraging people to be more involved in making decision and delivering local services.

Last year the programme awarded more than over £30,000 with beneficiaries including the Crash Bang Wallop Youth Theatre Company, Dalescare and the Hambleton Food Share Scheme.

“The success of the recent Hambleton Community Awards has demonstrated that there is a huge number of community projects underway across the District which are being led by committed and talented volunteers,” said Coun Nigel Knapton, portfolio holder for customer services and asset management.

“The council is keen to support these volunteers wherever possible and by making these grants available the council is responding to the needs of our local communities and helping them help themselves.”

The deadline for applications for both grants is May 16, with a decision on which applications have been successful expected in June.

For more information – or to apply - contact Peter Cole on 01609-767212 or check out hambleton.gov.uk/grants