Supporting Community Groups

Thirty four voluntary and community groups across the district have benefited from more than £80,000 funding for special projects to help local people thanks to Dover District Neighbourhood Forums.

Dover District Council and Kent County Council are supporting local groups through the Small Community Capital Projects fund allocated to the Dover District Neighbourhood Forums. During 2009/10, the Forums have given out £83,900 to 34 local groups for a variety of capital projects of benefit to the community. Successful projects included new equipment, refurbishment and modernization of community halls, fencing and replacement windows, among others.

Tilmanstone Ravens Cricket and Social Club, in the Dover North Neighbourhood Forum area, received £4,887 for the refurbishment of their changing rooms.

Alan Bonner from the Tilmanstone Ravens Cricket and Social Club, said: "Securing a grant from the Dover District Neighbourhood Forums enabled the club to have electricity installed at the ground. Getting them on board also encouraged other grant providers to back our project."

For 2010/11, the Forums will be piloting "Participatory Budgeting", which involves local communities putting forward projects for funding, and voting for which ones they want to succeed, subject to approval. A special "You Decide" funding event will be arranged for the Forums later this year. Further details will be publicised nearer the event.

The Dover District Neighbourhood Forums are a joint initiative, enabling a new form of consultation and feedback from local communities. The aim is to give local people a chance to voice their opinions and concerns and to be able to influence decisions and to challenge the delivery of services. The Forums join the three tiers of local government, with equal representation from DDC members, KCC members and Town and Parish Councillors.

For more information about Small Community Capital Project funding contact Emma Carey, KCC Community Liaison Manager, on 01622 694599.