RESIDENTS in two Basingstoke suburbs will be able to have their say on which community projects will receive a funding boost on Saturday.

People who live, work and volunteer in Buckskin and South Ham will be able to visit Stratton Park Pavilion between 11am and 2pm this Saturday to vote for two projects to receive a “Your Community, Your Choice” grant.

The small scale grants of up to £2,000, which are provided by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council and Sovereign Housing Association as part of the Neighbourhood Partnership for the area, aim to assist voluntary and community organisations to deliver sustainable projects in Buckskin and South Ham.

Schemes applying for funding had to provide a service or activity where there is a proved need, aim to strengthen the community by bringing it together, enhance the local environment or improve the health and wellbeing of the community.

In total, seven projects have requested grants between £1,000 and £2,000 from the £10,000 pot and residents will be asked to vote for two projects they want to receive funding. The projects with the most votes will receive a grant.

Details of each project will be available on Saturday and those attending will have the chance to learn more about keeping healthy as Diabetes UK will be carrying out health screenings.

The council’s Cabinet member for community services and the environment, Councillor Hayley Eachus, said: “This is an opportunity for local residents to have a say in what they feel they need in the area and the community projects that can do that.

“This funding can make a big difference to all of these projects and I would like to encourage people to go along on Saturday, find out about the great work they are looking to do or build on and vote for those they want to see get the money.”

Anne Phillips, head of communications and engagement at the North Hampshire Clinical Commissioning Group, added: “At North Hampshire CCG we’re keen for everyone to learn as much as possible about being fit and healthy – from eating well to looking after themselves and each other during the winter months.

“The fun health day will have lots of interesting people from many different organisations, all willing to give practical help and advice to us all.”

For more information about the Neighbourhood Partnership, visit http://np.basingstoke.gov.uk/grants.