COMMUNITY groups have until Tuesday (October 28) to apply for grants from a city forum.

Durham Area Action Partnership (AAP) wants to hear from voluntary and community groups interested in receiving grants from its £20,000 It’s Up To You fund.

Projects will be sifted by AAP representatives and those shortlisted will then go to a public vote.

Last year’s poll at County Hall attracted a total of 520 votes for 24 projects.

This year’s event will be held at Durham Town Hall on Saturday, November 8, with voting open between 10am and 2pm.

Members of the public can also vote on the AAP’s priorities for the coming year.

Colin Wilkes, chair of the AAP, said: “The feedback from both those visiting to vote and those local organisations taking part in last year’s event was overwhelmingly positive.

“Local VCS (voluntary and community sector groups) stated it gave them the opportunity to promote all the good work they do, often unrecognised, to a larger audience and also allowed them to make contacts with other groups doing voluntary work.

“It’s up to those who qualify after application to turn out their vote on the day in order to get their share of the £20,000.

“Plus it gives local people the chance to comment upon what they feel should be local priorities for the AAP to focus on for next year.”

Only those living or working in the AAP area, which stretches from West Rainton to Shincliffe and Bearpark, are eligible to vote.

For more information, visit ourdurham.org.uk, call 03000-267-204 or email dcaap@durham.gov.uk

AAPs were set up across County Durham by Durham County Council in 2009.