A COUNTY Council scheme that helps local people to develop projects and schemes which boost their communities is on course to complete 16 such projects this financial year.

Applications are now invited for communities wanting help with projects during the 2015/16 financial year.

Launched in 2013, the Supporting Local Communities (SLC) fund replaced the Local Improvement Scheme (LIS), and helps residents deliver projects which offer environmental, economic and community benefits to their local areas.

The SLC fund has £500,000 at its disposal and supports a wide range of community-based schemes, from improving play parks to new allotment sites or a bandstand refurbishment. Successful applicants could receive as much as £50,000 towards their scheme.

Schemes already completed or due to be completed this year include new skate parks in Clipstone, Ollerton and Rainworth, and improvements to local shopping areas in Bilsthorpe and Carlton.

“The Supporting Local Communities fund is an exciting opportunity for local people to make a real difference in their community,” said Coun Jim Creamer, chairman of the County Council’s environment and sustainability committee.

“The previous LIS fund helped deliver hundreds of worthwhile schemes throughout the county and this is continuing, albeit on a smaller scale, with the Supporting Local Communities fund.”

The scheme has also been refocused to target money at areas of deprivation. Schemes will be prioritised if they meet certain criteria, including attracting match-funding, environmental/quality of life improvements, encouraging volunteering, supporting economic viability and community ownership.

For more information on the fund please see www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/slc or contact the team on 0300 500 80 80 or email [email protected]