AN initiative by the newly-formed Bingley Town Council to fund a grants scheme for voluntary and community projects has been applauded.

The scheme is aimed at groups which offer some benefit to the local area and can each apply for grants of up to £2,000.

The intention is to support projects which strengthen the community and enhance the well-being of residents and their environment within Bingley Parish, which includes Crossflatts.

Councillor Marcus Dearden, chairman of the town council’s finance and general purposes committee, said the idea for the scheme was mooted soon after the council formed.

“It is essential that a town council supports the community and the council unanimously supported setting aside ten per cent of our budget to do this,” he said.

“You have to show that you are here to help people of the town rather than just be another level of bureaucracy.

“I think it will be well received and there will be a lot of people applying. Obviously we won’t be able to help them all initially.

“Some groups may not need a lot of help. I know of one, a local walking group, who two years ago needed some money to get the ball rolling. They were given £75 which was enough to set them up.”

Two types of grant can be applied for: small grants of up to £500 and larger grants up to £2,000. A total of £13,000 of the council’s £135,000 budget has been allocated to the scheme for the financial year 2016/17.

Ward councillors have voiced their approval of the scheme.

Councillor John Pennington said: “It can be nothing other than good news. It’s an example of the town council really trying to make its mark and there are lots of voluntary and community groups around which will benefit, particularly the lesser known charities which do such great work. I would still caution keeping a hand on their overhead costs, however. The last thing wanted would be having to increase the precept.”

Application forms and more information can be obtained from town clerk Ruth Batterley on townclerk@bingleytowncouncil.gov.uk.

The town council will normally decide on grant applications three times a year.

The deadline for the first set of applications is September 30.