The UK government's shared prosperity fund is in its fourth year now and, this year, nine Cotswold community projects will receive a share of £121,468.
Set to go towards projects such as upgrading rural bridleways, supporting young people and helping out local enterprises in the Cotswolds, the fund aims to strengthen local economies, improve community spaces and create new opportunities for Cotswold residents.
Councillor Tristan Wilkinson, cabinet member for economy and council transformation, said: 'We’ve already seen the real difference that UK Shared Prosperity Fund investment in the Cotswolds can make – from helping young people into work, to supporting local entrepreneurs and improving much-loved community spaces.
'I’m really pleased to see that so many fantastic projects are going to receive funding this time around, continuing our commitment to building a more connected, vibrant and resilient district.'
Organisations in the Cotswolds have applied for this funding themselves and it's the district council that decides which projects will receive funding.
This year it has chosen nine projects, including the Cirencester Chamber of Commerce, which will receive £25,000 to support young people in their early careers; Cotswold Friends is awarded £8,023 for its volunteering network; The Door Project gets £25,000 towards one-to-one mentoring for young people facing challenges; Rixon Architects is awarded £25,000 for transforming The Old Station historic site into a creative co-working hub for local artists and entrepreneurs; and Lechlade Town Council receives £16,815 for its town centre public space.
