Dover District Neighbourhood Forums grant awards

Kent County Council and Dover District Council are spreading a little Christmas cheer to 45 local community groups following approval of more than £90,000 grant funding for community projects across the district, following recommendations from local residents.

Local voluntary and community organisations were invited to apply to the Dover District Neighbourhood Forums for grants of up to £2,500 for projects that could demonstrate a real benefit to the community. The Neighbourhood Forums held special "You Decide" events during the year, where local groups gave two-minute presentations on their projects, and residents voted electronically on how they scored each one. The top scoring projects were recommended for funding, subject to approval by KCC and DDC, which is now in place.

Funding went to a wide variety of projects including outdoor recreational facilities, replacement of windows in a parish hall, support for the 'Sing For Your Life' project for the community, and improvements to a day centre for the retired.

Mirelle Frost from the Friends of Poulders Play Area who were successful in their bid for £2,500 said: "We are delighted to be awarded this grant, which will go towards funding a disabled access path to the new equipment for all that we have funded over the last couple of years. The paths will have a second benefit to all of the local children, and adults that accompany them, by making the play area accessible during the winter months."