More than £40k granted to community projects in East Lindsey

ELIF, which is using the council's own money to invest directly into the district, aims to support projects across the district which meet four distinct target areas: community development, promoting the visitor economy, business support and to boost the attractiveness of the area.

This round of funding from the Pride Essential Scheme, which has been made possible thanks to ELIF, is focussed supporting small-scale community projects that improve local facilities, promote inclusion and enhance pride in place.

Small grants of between £100 and £4,999 could be applied for by a wide range of organisations, including village halls, social enterprises, community interest companies (CICs) and registered charities.

In its first round, nine projects have been awarded a combined total of £40,690.02. The successful projects are:

Linkage Community Trust - Purchase of IT and digital infrastructure which is critical to the Trust’s employability and life skills programme for people with learning difficulties.

Horncastle Town Council – Funding towards improvements to the Prospect Street recreation area by providing additional seating, picnic tables, bins and signage, supporting a significant grant investment already made through ELIF as part of a £150,000 revitalisation of the space.

East Lindsey District Council’s Street Scene and Commercial Services Team – Support for a project to restore and upgrade the Skegness Zen Garden to create a vibrant, sustainable space which promotes relaxation and learning. The improvements will include refreshed landscaping, new planting and educational boards to raise awareness about biodiversity and environmental care.

Waveform Arts, Louth – Funding towards the delivery of a 10-session programme of events/ workshops featuring gardening, home grown food and music. The multi-generational events will celebrate cultural and artistic diversity while promoting well-being, outdoor activities and health living.

Stickney Bowls Club – To install a fully automatic irrigation system, which will improve the facility and increase volunteers’ capacity to put on more community events, such as free open sessions, family fun days.

St Clement Village Hall, Skegness - Purchase of essential visual and audio equipment for the village hall to benefit the users and groups who use it, with an aim of reestablishing the stage as a facility for theatre/ performing groups.

Scorer Hawkins - Purchase of glazed door and exhibition lighting to enable community facility and exhibition to be open all year round at Old Bolingbroke Castle.

East Lindsey District Council Street Scene and Commercial Services Team – To purchase equipment which will provide the ELDC Pride Team with modern and sustainable tools, making them the first operational unit to go fully electric in the authority. The equipment will contribute to noise reduction for residents and longer term, to greater community satisfaction and reduced running costs.

Withern Village Hall - Purchase essential equipment and storage facilities for the benefit of the users/ groups of the hall.

Councillor Adam Grist, portfolio holder for market towns and the rural economy, said: “We have seen some fantastic projects applying for this scheme, which demonstrates the need for grants of all sizes which have the power to make a huge difference.

“The Pride Essentials grants may seem modest in size, but their impact is anything but. They spark innovation, empower our communities, and aim to make changes which will benefit many of our residents, proving that even the smallest investment can lead to lasting change.”

Applications can still be submitted for grants from this scheme – with decisions announced on a rolling basis

To apply, and for details of other funding schemes, please visit www.e-lindsey.gov.uk/LGGF.