TORRIDGE District Council has announced a new community grants scheme.

From April 1 each of the 23 wards in Torridge —including Winkleigh, Shebbear and Langtree, Clinton and Three Moors — has been allocated a pot of £10,000 from which parish or town councils, voluntary organisations and community groups can apply to for community projects.

In addition to this the district council is also making available a separate sum of approximately £200,000 that can be applied to for larger community schemes.

The existing Councillor Community Grants Scheme, where each councillor has an annual budget of £1,000 to allocate to smaller projects, has been retained and will provide a further £36,000 of funding to local communities.

Leader of the council, Councillor Jane Whittaker said: ‘In these difficult times, with the council facing annual funding cuts, it is essential that we still look for ways to invest in our local communities. I welcome the new Community Grants Scheme which will allow councillors to help local communities do some of the things which they feel are most important and will provide maximum benefit and help to rejuvenate our local communities.’

Deputy leader of the Council, Councillor James Morrish said: ‘This represents another positive step forward by Torridge District Council ensuring that the benefits of the New Homes Bonus are felt right across the District and can support projects which directly benefit local communities and therefore provide a lasting legacy.’

For further details and to submit an application visit www.torridge.gov.uk/communitygrants