A new Rural Community Grant scheme is expected to be given the go ahead at a meeting of Erewash Borough Council’s Executive this week. (Thursday)

It is hoped the scheme will be available to fund projects over the next four years, with councillors set to approve £62,500 to support successful applications this year.

The creation of the new funding pot is aimed at supporting local groups and Parish Councils during financially challenging times with small capital projects in the community, such as support for buildings, equipment, regeneration and improvements to open spaces that will help to improve people’s lives in the borough’s rural communities.

Applications will be encouraged from all 13 Parish Councils and to ensure funds are spread across Erewash only one bid per parished area will be considered initially. Parish Councils will be given full guidance on the application process.

Councillor Carol Hart, Erewash Borough Council’s Lead Member for Community Engagement, said:

“We are delighted to be able to offer our rural communities access to grant funding, helping to bring people together in support of local projects and making a difference to the community – I am extremely confident that the new Rural Community Grant scheme will be a great success and will be well received in our rural communities.”

The Council Executive will be held this Thursday 8 October at 10.30am at Ilkeston Town Hall.