A HOUSING association covering Stafford and Stone has put up a £100,000 pot to fund community projects in its neighbourhood areas.
The annual Community Initiative scheme is part of Stafford and Rural Homes’ (SARH) commitment to promote community spirit and help improve living standards for its residents.
Customer liaison officer Sandra Shipperley said the scheme aimed to give residents opportunities to make improvements and promote a sense of pride and ownership in their neighbourhoods.
“We urge customers who are keen to make a difference to consider applying for funding through this scheme,” she said.
Margaret Sheppard, a resident of Longhope Drive in Stone, an independent living scheme run by SARH, said cash from the scheme had paid for a bench and patio area on previously unused communal land.
“We have since added flowers, a pergola and table and chairs,” she said. “The improvement to the area has been of real benefit to the residents here.
“Many of us only have very small gardens so it encourages people to come out and gather together – which is especially nice when the sun is shining.”
Funding bids are judged on factors like whether they build community spirit, benefit the elderly or vulnerable, improve disabled access or reduce vandalism or fear of crime with 25 per cent of this year’s pot allocated to bids with an environmental focus.
Application packs can be obtained by calling 0800 111 4554 or emailing sandra.shipperley@sarh.co.uk and the deadline for bids is Friday, March 1.
