New funding for Parish Councils

Community projects in the Carlisle area have been given a boost after Carlisle Local Committee approved funding towards a parish council grants scheme. 

Local councillors awarded Carlisle Parish Council Association £20,000 to set up help set up the Capital Grants Scheme. Also funded by £30,000 funding from Carlisle City Council, the scheme awards grants of up to £1,500 to fund a whole host of community projects such as work on village greens, paths and other facilities for disabled people, improvements to village halls and a host of other projects. 

Councillor John Mallinson, member of Carlisle Local Committee, said: 

"I am delighted that we have agreed to provide funding for this initiative. Parish councils do excellent work in rural areas and I am sure this grants scheme will fund some very valuable projects. It is also a good example of the county and city councils working together for the good of local communities." 

Carlisle City Councillor Gareth Ellis, portfolio holder for community activities, said:   

"The rural grant scheme has been longstanding partnership venture between the city council and the Carlisle Parish Councils Association. It has proved to be very successful and has helped provide improved facilities for local people in outreach areas. We will continue to support this kind of rural initiative." 

Councillor J Holland, chairman of the Carlisle Parish Councils Association, said:   

"The Carlisle Parish Councils Association is delighted to receive the additional funding from the county council. It is encouraging that the county council has recognised the needs of rural communities and is addressing the previous under-funding of rural areas. The Parish Councils Association looks forward to working together with both the county and city councils on future projects and initiatives." 

The Local Committee also set up a similar fund for urban areas. A grant of £20,000 was given and will be used for pressing highways issues such as parking bays and street lights.