Cheshire East Council has awarded 30 grants to Voluntary, Community, Faith, and Social Enterprise (VCFSE) organisations and town and parish councils to improve energy efficiency and save carbon at community facilities and buildings through the Improved, Greener Community Facilities Fund.  

In total, the grant awards received £287,000 from the UK government through the UK Rural England Prosperity Fund and UK Shared Prosperity Fund. 

The projects to benefit from funding support included replacement of flood lights at a Vagrants Sports Club, replacement of LED lighting at a local tennis club in Bickerton and a replacement of a heating system within a local church in Macclesfield.  

The successful applicants all had to demonstrate how their project demonstrates the investment in capacity building and infrastructure support for local civil society and community groups.

Councillor Mick Warren, Cheshire East Council chair of the environment and communities committee, said: "I'm thrilled to see our community grants programme supporting local initiatives. 

"Our communities are stronger when we work together, and these grants are a fantastic way to empower our residents and make a positive impact. 

"I'd encourage more groups to apply and take advantage of this funding and I'm excited to see some of the innovative ideas that emerge."

Rural Prosperity funding supported the Wingate Special Children's Trust CIO to replace fluorescent lighting to LED in a 600m² gymnasium which is used for disability fitness, rebound therapy, gymnastic, Pilates, and 'parent and toddler' classes. 

Following completion of the project, Rhiannon Vine, trust fundraiser said: "The Improved, Greener, Community Facilities Grant allowed us to start our journey to become a greener, more sustainable and energy efficient charity. 

"By reducing the core running costs we can offer more of our life enhancing services to more of the community we serve."

Organisations from rural areas in the borough can apply for 75 per cent of projects costs up to a maximum of £15,000.

Applications will be considered from organisations for local projects, meeting the fund objectives and criteria.

The deadline for fund applications is December 2024.

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