Second round of grants to fund community projects is open

Grants of up to £4,000 have been made available for community groups and parish and town councils in the High Peak.

After already allocating £10,000, the second phase of the Towns and Villages Regeneration Fund is now open to applicants who need help with their schemes. 

The first tranche of grants saw money given to a diverse range of projects, including repairs to New Mills Town Hall, new signs in Hayfield and the restoration of the boardwalk at Hague Bar Meadow. 

High Peak Borough Council (HPBC) expect applicants to cover between 20-50% of the total cost of their plans, with most grants being paid after a project’s completion. 

Deputy Leader of HPBC and its Regeneration, Tourism and Leisure lead, Cllr Damien Greenhalgh, said: "I'm delighted to invite applications for the next round of funding to support towns, parishes and community groups with projects and events that benefit both residents and visitors. 

"We've already helped to fund some great schemes in Hayfield and New Mills and we're now keen to hear from parishes and communities in other parts of the Borough. 

"It's easy to apply - full details are on our website - so please contact us with your projects and ideas so we can make sure this money is making a difference in towns and villages all across the High Peak." 

Eligible projects could include: 

• Improving public (not business) display boards and signage  

• Part- funding (50%) shop front grant schemes managed by parish and town councils 

• Production and promotion of local walking and cycling trail maps 

• Improvements to the accessibility of high streets and visitor attractions for disabled visitors and residents 

• Small scale environmental tidy ups of public green spaces 

• Part funding (50%) for creative and heritage events accessible to the public 

Schemes can apply for grants of between £500 and £4,000, although eligible projects must be completed by the end of March.