Members of community groups are being invited to apply for environmental improvement project grants up to £2,000 from Bradford Council’s Cleaner Streets Fund.

Environmental improvement is a top priority for Bradford Council which is extending its People Can campaign by providing a total of £250,000 for projects which will make the district a better place to live, visit, work and do businesses.

Each of the five constituency areas in the district will receive a £50,000 share of the fund for community-based activity in Bradford West, East, South, Keighley and Shipley up to March 2021.

Since last year the Council has supported more than 200 environmental initiatives including community-led litter picks across the district thanks to the efforts of more than 6,000 volunteers.

The Cleaner Streets Fund is a chance for neighbours to get together and put forward community-led ideas and projects that will help make our streets and areas cleaner.

It provides an opportunity to get even more people engaged with helping to make a positive difference to their surroundings.

Neighbourhood ward officers have been asked to liaise with volunteer groups or groups of residents who may not be part of a formal group in their communities and help them to access funding for their project.

Cllr Sarah Ferriby, Executive Member for Healthy People and Places, said: “The Cleaner Streets Fund supports the People Can movement through positive environmental social action, giving communities help and motivation to improve local areas and local priorities.

“It’s a chance for public-spirited people to work together to improve their neighbourhood.

“We are particularly keen to support areas where there has historically been less community involvement in improving the surroundings.”

The grant funding can be used to cover a range of costs as long as they are in line with the aims of the fund. This includes buying tools and equipment such as paint and brushes, cleaning graffiti, providing signs, training and even measures to design out environmental crime.

Grants of up to £2,000 are available and the Council anticipates that many grants will be much less than this. Applications for smaller project costs are particularly welcome.

The Council wants to encourage applications from, or supported by informal groups who may not be constituted, constituted voluntary groups and organisations, places of worship, Friends of Groups, charities, parish and town councils.

Please read the CLEANER STREETS FUND GUIDANCE FOR APPLICANTS and download an application form. The closing date for applicants is the 25th September 2020.

For more information or to request an application form please contact your local area office: Shipley Area Co-ordinator’s Office – 01274 437146