Community groups are invited to apply for a slice of funding cash from the local authority.

A total of over £82,000 has been handed out to community groups by Clackmannanshire Council’s Community Development Fund since last year.

The fund is part of the ‘Making Clackmannanshire Better’ programme which aims to incentivise communities to work with the authority to improve the physical environment and community facilities.

Applications opened last year and, so far, 11 local groups have been successful in their applications: Alloa Allotments Society - £5,082 for new fencing; Cambus & District Bowling Club - £5,492 to upgrade flat roof; Hawkhill Community Association - £5,184 for improved lighting; Alva Bowling Club - £9,396 to create disabled access and artificial bankings; Tullibody Healthy Living - £10,000 for community garden; Alloa Cooperative Bowling Club - £5,580 to upgrade electrics; Tillicoultry Bowling Club - £3,108 for disabled access; Hillfoots Rugby Club - £8,791 to upgrade toilets; Menstrie Bowling Club - £10,000 to create disabled access and artificial bankings; Alloa Rugby Football Club - £10,000 to upgrade club house; St Serf’s Church - £10,000 to upgrade community hall.

The council wants to receive more applications from groups from all over the county to get their share of the fund which is open to applications for capital expenditure such as permanent improvements, new buildings and refurbishments.

Council leader Les Sharp said: “I am delighted that 11 local groups have been successful in their applications to the Community Development Fund.

“I hope that community groups from throughout Clackmannanshire will be inspired by these successful projects and apply to the fund to help improve their local area or their facilities.” To receive a grant, the project has to be planned to start within the current financial year and completed within six months of starting.

Projects should assist in meeting the ambitions set out in ‘Making Clackmannanshire Better’ and/or more integrated accessible services for local communities.

Activities which contribute to the regeneration or development of an area include: securing that land and buildings are brought into effective use; contributing to, or encouraging economic development; creating an attractive and safe environment; preventing crime or reducing the fear of crime; providing or improving housing or social and recreational facilities, for the purpose of encouraging people to live or work in the area or of benefiting people who live there; providing or improving training, educational facilities or health services for local people; providing employment for local people; assisting local people to make use of opportunities for education, training or employment; benefiting local people who have special needs because of disability or because of their sex or the racial group to which they belong.

Groups can apply for 60 per cent of the total project cost up to a maximum of £10,000 including any VAT.

More information available on ClacksWeb http://www.clacksweb.org.uk/community/cdf/