Over 20 organisations in Chatteris are celebrating after receiving the good news, just before Christmas, that they will be receiving a share of the Tesco’s Community Grant Fund.

A total of 23 organisations applied for funding from the £10,000 given by Tesco’s after the company decided not to open the supermarket they had built in Chatteris.

It was agreed that Chatteris Town Council would administer the fund and councillors, with the approval of Tesco, decided that applications would be considered from organisations in the town for specific purposes which would benefit or improve facilities available to people in Chatteris. Grants would not be made towards the ordinary running expenses of organisations.

Groups and clubs were able to apply for grants of up to £1,000 but when so many applications were received councillors decided the fairest course of action would be for all those who met the criteria to receive at least part of the sum they had applied for.

They agreed that 22 organisations met or partially met the criteria for receiving a grant and the sums each organisation should receive were agreed at an extraordinary meeting of the council in December.

Projects ranged from new toys for toddler groups and camping equipment for uniform organisations to security items and recording equipment for adult groups.

The following groups will all receive a share of the windfall:

Beagle Explorer Scout Unit, Chatterbox, Chatteris Christmas Lights, Chatteris Community Archive, Chatteris Cycling Club, Chatteris In Bloom, Chatteris Morning Women’s Institute, Chatteris Museum, Chatteris Junior Netball Club, Chatteris Past, Present & Future, Chatteris Town Bowls Club, Chatteris Town Cricket Club, Chatteris Town Football Club, Chatteris Youths Amateur Boxing Club, 1st Chatteris Guides, 2nd Chatteris Scouts, Emmanuel Church, Ernie’s ABC Boxing Club, Kite Club Baby & Toddler Group, RBL Youth Section, St Peter’s & St Paul’s Parish Church and the What Next Group.

The money will be distributed once evidence of expenditure has been received by the Council.

JOANNA MELTON

Town Clerk