News Item

New Bootle ‘green’ scheme awards first three grants

A new ‘green’ funding scheme that will help Bootle residents to tackle local grotspots and improve the quality life in their area has awarded its first three grants.

The Environmental Improvements Fund offers grants of between £250 and £1,000 to new projects developed by local people in the Linacre electoral ward.

The funding for the grants has come from Sefton Council, and the scheme is managed by Bootle-based regeneration and community action specialists, Regenerus.

Landscaping work, a community clean-up and helping people to acquire gardening skills are among the key features of the proposals submitted by the first three grant recipients.

Safe Regeneration Ltd will be working with local community groups to improve land at the corner of Strand Road and Derby Road, on the busy A565 gateway road into Liverpool city centre.

As well as landscaping work and planting, the project will include the creation of a new mural welcoming motorists and passers-by to Bootle.

Nearby, Peel Road Community and Residents’ Association will be using their funding to organise skips for a local street clean-up.

Households will then be encouraged to take part in a pilot scheme to plant daffodils and create their own hanging baskets, bringing local residents together and helping to brighten up the neighbourhood.

The third grant recipient is the Independence Initiative, an organisation which helps people affected by substance misuse to rebuild their lives.

They will be using their grant to enable groups to work together clearing overgrown plots, establishing new community gardens and learning horticultural skills.

Scheme organisers are delighted that the first three successful projects are all being spearheaded by local community groups, as the funding is designed to encourage projects led by local people for local people.

And they have announced that applications are now being accepted for the second round of grants.

These are open to groups of friends and neighbours, or community and voluntary organisations working directly with volunteer groups.

Organisers stress that as well as improving the environment, the scheme aims to generate additional benefits in terms of creating new friendships, promoting volunteering and getting people more involved in looking after their neighbourhood.

Sefton Council Cabinet Member for Communities and Housing, Cllr Trish Hardy, commented: “The first three grant recipients have come up with projects that are exactly the sort of initiative this fund was set up to support.

“Now we’re hoping for many more applications of the same quality in the second round of funding.

“Spring is very nearly with us, so it’s a great time for Bootle residents to get together, get involved and set about improving the area where they live both for themselves and their neighbours,” added Cllr Hardy.

The closing date for second-round applications is 31st March 2018. Application forms and guidelines can be downloaded from the Regenerus website – www.regenerus.org.uk.