AN initiative by the newly-formed Bingley Town Council to fund a new grants scheme for voluntary and community projects has been applauded.

The scheme is aimed at groups which offer some benefit to the local area and can each apply for grants of up to £2,000.

Councillor Marcus Dearden, chairman of the town council’s finance and general purposes committee, said the idea for the scheme was mooted soon after the council formed.

“It is essential that a town council supports the community and the council unanimously supported setting aside ten per cent of our budget to do this,” he said.

“You have to show that you are here to help people of the town rather than just be another level of bureaucracy.

“I think it will be well received and there will be a lot of people applying. Obviously we won’t be able to help them all initially.

“Some groups may not need a lot of help. I know of one, a local walking group, who two years ago needed some money to get the ball rolling. They were given £75 which was enough to set them up.”

The new grant scheme aims to support projects which strengthen the community and enhance the well-being of residents and their environment within Bingley Parish which covers Bingley, Cottingley, Crossflatts, Eldwick, Gilstead and Micklethwaite.

Two types of grant can be applied for: small grants of up to £500 and larger grants up to £2,000. A total of £13,000 of the council’s £135,000 budget has been allocated to the scheme for the financial year 2016/17.

Ward councillors have voiced their approval of the scheme.

Councillor John Pennington (Con, Bingley) said: “It can be nothing other than good news. It’s an example of the town council really trying to make its mark and there are lots of voluntary and community groups around who will benefit, particularly the lesser known charities which do such great work. I would still caution keeping a hand on their overhead costs, however. The last thing wanted would be having to increase the precept.”

Also delighted at the scheme was Councillor Mark Shaw (Con, Bingley) who added: “I think this is excellent and is is really going to benefit many organisations who sometimes just need a small boost.”

Application forms to apply for a grant and more information can be obtained from town council clerk Ruth Batterley at: townclerk@bingleytowncouncil.gov.uk

Cllr Dearden added: “All applications will be considered on their merits. Grants may complement other sources of funding and this is encouraged. We hope the grants will boost existing projects and provide an opportunity for groups with new ideas to make them a reality.”

The Town Council will normally decide on grant applications three times per year in June, October and February (subject to budgeted funds still being available throughout the year). In order for an application to be considered, an application should be received by the town clerk no later than the 1st day of the month in which you wish your application to be considered. The deadline for the first set of applications is September 30.