Here’s how volunteers are helping to transform some of Fenland’s derelict sites - and the council that is giving grants to help them
Renaissance schemes already funded by Fenland District Council. They include Arkwright, Chatteris. Picture: FENLAND COUNCIL - Credit: Archant
Community groups wanting to give disused land and buildings a new lease of life in the New Year are being invited to apply for a conservation grant from Fenland District Council.
Renaissance schemes already funded by Fenland District Council. They include Grays Lane, March. Picture: FENLAND COUNCIL - Credit: Archant
Grants of up to £500 are available from Fenland District Council’s Renaissance ‘Changing Views’ grant scheme, which aims to improve the appearance of empty buildings or vacant sites across the district.
Changing Views grants are available to voluntary groups for projects which improve the visual appearance of empty buildings or vacant sites and involve the community in some way, such as painting of hoardings and artwork on empty shop fronts.
The council also offers 50 per cent match funding for projects costing between £500 and £5,000, where volunteers or landowners part fund the work.
Previously funded projects have included planters to improve the frontage of Guyhirn Village Hall, and Chatteris In Bloom purchased banners to enhance hoardings in the town.
Renaissance schemes already funded by Fenland District Council. They include Banners, Chatteris. Picture: FENLAND COUNCIL - Credit: Archant
Wisbech In Bloom added planting and artwork at 11-12 High Street, Wisbech, and planting was also carried out at the town’s Chapel Road car park in a joint project between Wisbech In Bloom and Wisbech Street Pride.
Councillor David Oliver, the council’s portfolio holder with responsibility for Renaissance, said: “The expenditure of relatively small amounts of funding can have an enormous effect on the appearance of boarded up and vacant sites in Fenland.
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“Improvements not only enhance the street scene and character of the local environment but they also assist in the conservation of town centres and help promote regeneration.”
For more information contact the council’s Street Pride co-ordinator via email at: streetpride@fenland.gov.uk or by phoning 01354 654321.
You can also download a grant application form on the Council’s website at: https://www.fenland.gov.uk/article/7976/Renaissance---Changing-Views
