Feel the benefit: cash up for grabs to improve town (From Chard & Ilminster News)

Feel the benefit: cash up for grabs to improve town

8:50am Friday 15th December 2006 in Chard By Joanna Glover

PEOPLE in Chard will have a chance to decide how £30,000 of funding is to be spent in an X-Factor style initiative.

As reported, residents will be able to suggest ways to improve the area and help decide which projects will receive the money through Chard Community Forum.

South Somerset District Council has set up the forum to encourage people to become involved.

Bob Chedzoy, of the council, said: "At the forum meeting in February ideas will be presented, discussed and voted on with the best and most popular projects going on to receive funding.

"The district council is here to help residents make their ideas a reality."

"Anybody with a good idea is encouraged to apply."

The grant scheme is being launched this week with a series of advertising posters asking people for good ideas to help make Chard a better place to live and work.

Local groups or residents will have access to up to £5,000 of the total grant for each individual project, which must be seen to be benefiting the town.

Cllr Angie Singleton, chairman of the district council's Area West committee said: "The Chard Community Forum presents a real opportunity for local people to have their say about Chard and bring about real improvements to the town.

"We're hoping for some imaginative ideas for improving Chard and look forward to working with local people to make these ideas become a reality."

The forum will be held on February 21, 2007, and will have a 'soapbox' slot where people will be given an opportunity to raise any issue they have about what is going on in Chard.