Wolds Weighton councillors, Leo Hammond and Mike Stathers, have welcomed today's official launch of the 'Do it for East Yorkshire Community Grant' scheme.
Both councillors, along with the former ERYC Leader, Cllr Richard Burton, were behind the creation of the scheme which is open for bids from today (Tuesday 1 June).
The fund totals £250,000 and is aimed at maintaining and building on the community spirit which has grown across the East Riding as a result of communities pulling together to tackle the Covid-19 Pandemic. Parish and Town Councils, along with other community organisations, will be able to apply for grants of between £500 and £5,000 to pay for projects in their area that will promote community activity and spirt. Such projects could range from enhancing a communal area, having a community day, festival, village show or supporting a community group.
Cllr Hammond, who originally approached the then Leader with the idea in November last year said: "I am extremely excited to see this fund materialise after a great deal of work from both councillors and officers.
"It is vital we capitalise on the brilliant community spirit that has grown in the Wolds Weighton ward especially, but also across the rest of the county during the pandemic. We must make sure we don't lose it.
"The money can play a key role in our Covid recovery, particularly in rural areas like Wolds Weighton, where we are not always first in the queue for funding. We see so much money going to places such as Bridlington, Beverley and Goole, now it’s time for our wonderful rural areas like Wolds Weighton, and our characterful small Market Towns like Market Weighton to also get their fair share."
Cllr Stathers said: "Leo and I will be encouraging our friends in the Parish and Town Councils and all community groups in Wolds Weighton to consider applying for grant support if they are planning new projects for their community.
"The past 18 months has been a difficult time for all of us, not least our smaller, rural communities, and as we come out of the pandemic now is the time to bring any plans for village projects that might have been on hold back to life."
The fund will remain open until 2023 or until the £250,000 is spent. To apply for the Do it For East Yorkshire Community Grants please visit the Flexigrant website https://eastridingofyorkshirecouncil.flexigrant.com/default.aspx
