Community groups and projects in Peasedown St John have an opportunity to apply for up to £2,000 this year, thanks to the Ward Councillors' Empowerment Fund.

Local councillors Gavin Heathcote and Karen Walker (Independents, Peasedown) have been allocated the money by Bath and North East Somerset Council to spend in the village.

This year, each B&NES Councillor has been allocated £1,000 each to spend in their communities, so local initiatives can receive some much-needed funding, giving many of the projects that rely on volunteers that extra financial support.

Cllr Gavin Heathcote said:  "There are many worthy groups and projects in Peasedown St John that could do with some extra cash. I'm looking forward to working with them to decide how the money can be spent."

The Ward Councillors' Empowerment Fund is open to one-off and new aspects of existing projects that give demonstrable benefit to the community to improve the social, economic or environmental wellbeing of a particular area.

Cllr Karen Walker added: "In the past, this funding has helped pay for new defibrillators, brand new signage for either end of the village, and for children's play days held on The Green and Beacon Field.

The funding that we're allocated really does go towards supporting the grassroots projects that need it the most"

Funding is open to any group operating in Peasedown St John, Carlingcott or Braysdown.

With £1,000 each, Gavin and Karen have a degree of flexibility over how and when the money is spent. They'd like to hear from anyone who'd like to apply by Friday 15th September. Based on the number and content of applications, there may be an opportunity for further applications to be made later in the financial year.

To request an application form contact Cllr Gavin Heathcote on 07557 683834 or email [email protected], or Cllr Karen Walker on 07968 401447 or email [email protected]