A NEW fund has been launched to help rural communities in Fenland that need a big injection of cash for projects such as new community centres, playgrounds or other facilities.

The Rural Capital Fund was launched last month at a presentation made by Fenland District Council Cabinet member Chris Seaton to parish councils. It has �600,000 to hand out to groups in Fenland over the next three years and is aimed specifically at rural communities outside the four market towns.

Groups can apply for up to �100,000 of capital funding for special projects. To obtain money from the fund they must match half the total cost of the project, prove that they are a properly constituted group and demonstrate that they have consulted widely with their local community about their proposal.

Successful projects will support one or more of the five key strands of FDC’s Sustainable Community Strategy – health and wellbeing, safer and stronger communities, economic and sustainable communities, building a sustainable environment and children and young people.

Cllr Seaton, the portfolio holder responsible for community development, said: “Fenland is a largely rural area and it is vital that we support the smaller communities within it in every way we can.

“At a time when many other authorities are reducing their support to local groups, I’m delighted to be announcing this new fund, which will help to ensure that rural communities get the sort of facilities they need to survive and prosper.”

To get more details about the fund and an application form, call Ross McGivern, FDC’s community development officer, on 01354 654321 or email rmcgivern@fenland.gov.uk