More time to bid for environmental improvement funds

COMMUNITY groups have been given extra time to apply for grants to make their neighbourhoods greener. The deadline for applications for the second round of the Environmental Initiatives Fund has been extended to noon, on Friday, 30 September 2016, from its original date of 26 September 2016, after a large member of inquiries had been received. The Fund was set up by the Mayor of Liverpool, Joe Anderson, following a recommendation in the Interim Report for the Strategic Green and Open Spaces Review. This called for community groups, schools and small businesses to be helped to play more active roles in improving their local environment. A funding pot of £20,000 was set up and groups were invited to bid for grants of up to £500. In the 1st round of applications, 23 groups were awarded a total of £10,430 for projects including improvements to community gardens, clean ups and children's gardening schemes. Councillor Steve Munby, cabinet member for neighbourhoods, said:- "There has been a lot of interest from groups in this initiative so we want to make sure that they have enough time to submit their applications. It is encouraging that many groups want to make their neighbourhoods greener."  Information about the Environment Initiatives Fund is available online.