Nineteen local groups and organisations are to receive council grants to help fund community projects across South Lakeland.
The projects will share almost £165,000 in the latest round of Locally Important Projects (LIPs) funding from South Lakeland District Council (SLDC).
It means the council has awarded more than £1.4 million in LIPs funding to support more than 100 initiatives over the past six years.
The latest round of funding includes £40,000 to Levens Village Hall, £20,000 for Stainton Parish Council towards the cost of installing high speed broadband and £20,000 to Ulverston Town Council to help improve the North Lonsdale Road Play Area.
Councillor Jonathan Brook, SLDC’s Portfolio Holder for Housing People and Innovation, said: “We are delighted to announce the successful LIPs applications which are to receive funding this year.
“These grants support many excellent projects which benefit our local communities and neighbourhoods, helping to improve the quality of life right across the district.
“LIPs money has already been spent on a wide variety of initiatives such as improving playgrounds and green spaces, supporting important renovation and conservation projects, restoring footpaths, modernising community centres, making cycling more accessible and much more.”
This year SLDC received 27 bids to support a wide range of initiatives. The 19 projects which have been approved are in Arnside, Crosthwaite, Coniston, Dent, Kendal, Levens, New Hutton, Preston Patrick, Stainton, Staveley, Ulverston and Windermere.
LIPs money has previously been awarded to help restore Kirkby-in-Furness Community Centre. Villagers said the grant was a significant contribution to their fund-raising efforts.
Stainton Institute also received a LIPs grant of £20,000 towards the cost of on-going building renovation work. Locals say the money has been a huge help.
Chairman, Geoff Wilson, said: “For the past four years we have been sympathetically converting a former chapel which dates back to 1697 into a modern space for use by the whole community.
“Once it’s finished it will be a fantastic resource in the heart of the community for everyone to make good use of.”
Windermere and Bowness Civic Society was also awarded £1,750 to help pay for entrance improvements at Cockshott Point, a popular access to the lake shore.
Cllr Brook added: “We have been particularly keen to receive LIPs applications from more deprived areas of the district, initiatives which support disadvantaged and vulnerable groups and projects which help to alleviate social isolation.
Projects which protect and enhance the environment, help individuals and communities to be more resilient and promote better health and wellbeing are also key council priorities.”
LIPs money is allocated through the New Homes Bonus, where government matches the council tax raised on new homes and properties brought back into use.
For more details about LIPs funding and eligibility, please visit the council’s website: www.southlakeland.gov.uk
