GROUPS in the Chard area who are looking for funding to help with projects are being urged to find out how they can win some cash from South Somerset District Council.

The Opportunity Chard event follows a series of similar successful initiatives held this year and in the build-up to the fourth event the council's Area West team is encouraging anyone with a bright idea for a community project to get in touch by filling out an application form before the Friday, January 18, deadline.

Residents of the Chard area will then get the chance to vote on which projects they like most in a voting forum held in the New Year.

The projects that get the most support from the public will be awarded a cut of the £30,000 money made available by South Somerset District Council.

The council's community regeneration officer, Zoe Harris, said: "We are looking for any ideas that will improve the community and make the Chard area a better place to live and work.

"Each project can apply for up to £5,000 as long as the project aims to benefit the local area so we're looking at various projects for Chard town, Buckland St Mary, Whitestaunton, Wam-brook, Knowle St Giles, Chaff-combe, Cricket St Thomas, Win-sham, Tatworth and Forton and Combe St Nicholas.

"All that the applicant needs to do is fill out a simple form letting us know about their project, and how it will benefit people in and around Chard.

"They will then be invited to present their ideas at a forum event in February."

The event follows a successful forum held in Ilminster in November which provided funding to 11 projects including an upgrade to a local theatre, a drop-in youth café and a new path to give access to a village hall.

The town crier, Jim Olds, was also given money to fund a new uniform (see Postbag on page 18).

Cllr Kim Turner, chairman of South Somerset's Area West committee, said: "Opportunity Chard will make a huge difference to a large number of people.

"We are not only giving new projects the funding to get off the ground but we are also giving existing facilities the chance at a much appreciated boost.

"I urge all community groups to get in touch and find out about how to get involved, and I am again looking forward to being able to support some fantastic ideas by making them a reality."

Organisers will be hoping that the Opportunity Chard event is as successful as the recent one in Ilminster where 31 different groups converged on the Shrub-bery Hotel to make their bids for money.

o FOR more information click on the link with this story at www.chardandilminsternews.co.uk or call Zoe Harris on 01460-260423.