Published: May 16, 2012
£34,000 funding boost for Highbridge community groups

Almost £34,000 of funding is to be handed out to community groups in Highbridge as part of a brand new community initiative launched on Tuesday evening (May 15th).

The Highbridge Community First Programme has been set up after an injection of cash from the government's Community Development Foundation, backed by the Cabinet Office.

Overseen by Highbridge County Councillor John Woodman and a team of volunteers, pictured above, the new programme aims to help community groups who need grant funding.

A total of £33,910 has been allocated to Highbridge and groups can apply for match-funding over the next four years.

"This is a great news for Highbridge, particularly during difficult economic times," Cllr Woodman told Burnham-On-Sea.com.

"I have worked for several months to secure the funding and we are now ready to begin receiving and considering applications. We look forward to handing out cash to fantastic causes in Highbridge."

A grants panel has been formed to assess the requests and ensure that applicants meet a number of guidelines. The types of groups that can apply are those that either improve health and well-being by social cohesion; improve the local environment; or improve the effectiveness of volunteer groups by means of recruitment, training and equipment.

Burnham and Highbridge Mayor Ken Smout told Burnham-On-Sea.com: "This will deliver real benefits to Highbridge and will help a lot of groups in the town. I'm delighted to be supporting the scheme."

A total of £5,000 of funding will be available to groups during the first year with progressively higher amounts over the later three years. Asda is one of a number of partners backing the project - and its Highbridge store hosted the launch on Tuesday evening.

Full details of how to apply for the funding are available here.