COMMUNITY groups across Buckskin and South Ham are in line for a cash boost following the release of a third round of “Your Community Your Choice” grants.

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.

Previous rounds of applications provided a cash boost to a number of community projects including Basingstoke Neighbour Care, Buckskin Flood Action Group and Inspero Love2Bake.

To be eligible for funding, projects have to meet the one of the following criteria:

• Provide a service or activity where there is a proven need

• Aim to strengthen the community by bringing people together

• Enhance the local environment

• Improve the health and wellbeing of the community.

After the applications have been reviewed, local residents will then have an opportunity to get more information on the projects when they cast their vote on which ones they think should be awarded funding on September 5 at Stratton Park, Kempshott.

The deadline for applications is July 30.

The council’s Cabinet member for communities, service delivery and improvement, Councillor Robert Tate, said: “By giving local groups and projects in Buckskin and South Ham the opportunity to apply for a funding boost and then asking the community to choose which ones receive it gives local residents a real say in both what they need and also what they get in terms of community projects, which is at the heart of the Neighbourhood Partnership.”

For more information and to apply for a grant, visit np.basingstoke.gov.uk/grants/, call 01256 844844 or email neighbourhood.partnership@basingstoke.gov.uk.