Newark set to benefit from new £2million community grants

Community groups and organisations in Newark and the surrounding area will receive almost £750,000 in funding from Nottinghamshire County Council to support a range of local projects.

A total of 80 schemes are being supported financially across Newark and Sherwood, as well as Bassetlaw.

It's part of a new £2 million 'Local Improvement Scheme' which is helping over 200 organisations across the county over the next three years.

A number of sports clubs, arts clubs, new buildings, memorials, and a range of other provisions including advice and guidance services are being supported by the scheme.

Councillor Gordon Wheeler, who's vice-chairman of the communities and place committee at Nottinghamshire County Council, said: "We are delighted at the number of applications we have received since launching the scheme.

"The scale of the interest, with more than 400 applications, highlights the great work being undertaken by charities and voluntary organisations across our county.

“We would like to thank everyone who has taken the time and trouble to submit proposals as the standard of entry was extremely high.

"Many congratulations to those who have been successful and we look forward to seeing the successful projects progress over the coming months and years.”

LISTEN to Radio Newark's exclusive interview with Cllr Wheeler here:

The council said applications for funding were checked very carefully, including a review by independent assessors.

Some of the confirmed projects being funded in the Newark area are: 

Newark Town Council's environmental scheme (refurbishment of street furniture, signs, noticeboards and poppy trail) - £50,000

A multi-phased facility development (kitchen and disability access) at Newark RUFC - £42,607

Bilsthorpe Parish Council to provide play area equipment for two parks - £30,000

The building of Collingham Tennis Club's new club house - £24,636

MHA Newark/Southwell/Worksop Live at Home Scheme to reduce isolation and loneliness for older people - £21,000 (£7,000 each)

Newark and Sherwood CVS Door to Door to provide safe, affordable, accessible and responsive transport - £11,645

To provide customised signs at the entrances to Sutton-on-Trent including requests to drive carefully - £8,000

Improving access to Besthorpe Reserve and creating homes for wildlife - £7,705

Newark and Sherwood Play Support Group - £7,000

Southwell and Nottingham Diocese to help their youth workers and volunteers - £7,000

For Farndon Parish Council to improve signage in one of Notts' most visited villages - £5,330

Raise drivers' awareness when entering Upton and improve the village environment for residents - £5,000

Newark Town Bowls Club to address structural damage on the clubhouse - £4,000

Funding for South Muskham and Little Carlton Parish Council's 'Local Emergency Plan' - £3,400

Collingham and District Village Care to help isolated people live independently - £3,060

Towards the Bleasby Aircrews Memorial Project - £2,000

Newark Community Art Club - £2,000

New community noticeboards for Ollerton and Boughton Town Council - £2,000

North Muskham Parish Council's new noticeboards - £1,788

Increasing the functionality of Cromwell Village Hall - £1,123

Newark Book Festival - £1,000