Cradley Heath community groups urged to apply for cash windfall (From Halesowen News)

Cradley Heath community groups urged to apply for cash windfall

4:01pm Tuesday 7th February 2012 in Local

HARD up community groups in Cradley Heath and Old Hill in need of cash have been offered the chance of a cash injection.

The £80m Government Community First scheme has allocated £50,865 to be allocated to groups in the Cradley Heath and Old Hill ward over the next four years.

The most deprived wards in Britain get the most cash in the scheme and grants from £500 to £2000 will be available to non-statuary non-Government funded organisations.

Cradley Heath Community First panel member John Tipper urged local groups to take advantage of the cash available.

He said: “With so many cuts happening across the board a scheme like should be embraced by every community group in Cradley Heath and Old Hill who are finding times are tough.

“Unlike other schemes where applicants have to match fund the donations the can be matched by volunteer hours, free services or other means which increases the amount of groups eligible.”

Mr Tipper, who is standing for Labour in Cradley Heath and Old Hill in the May elections, said: “So many volunteer and community groups who really make a difference are being hit hard by cuts and this money could be a lifeline for them.

“We have already heard from a local Parent and Teacher Association and the the Kingfisher Club which does some fantastic work with people with learning difficulties in the area and we are looking forward to more groups getting in touch.

“We want every penny of this money spent in Cradley Heath and we want the money to go to the broadest range of organisations and groups possible.”

Alison Seabrooke, chief executive of Community Development Fund, which is in charge of the scheme nationally, said: “The Community First programme will get to the heart of what communities want to achieve and will help them make a difference in their local area.

“We know from our experience on the ground, that small amounts of money can make a huge difference to communities. “ She added: “Community First is more than just a grant programme, it will mark a step change in how communities work together to make a difference.“ Community groups in other wards in Sandwell including Oldbury and Langley wards will also be eligible for cash allocations from the national Community First scheme.

The next deadline for funding from the Cradley Heath Community First scheme is March 31 for more information phone John Tipper on 07501 066 202 or Councillor Ann Shackleton on 07779 624 021.