Projects to improve biodiversity, stage a community exhibition, and help older people with shopping are among those supported by Carlisle West Community Panel.
The panel met recently to approve funding for grass-roots projects and agree its priorities for the coming year.
- £5000 was allocated to Age UK Carlisle and Eden to support its Older Persons’ Shopping Service.
- Carlisle Radio FM received £3,750 towards launching a local radio station for the city and surrounding areas.
- Prism Arts received £5,000 to help stage a community exhibition at Carlisle Cathedral.
- Morton Community Centre will use £2,500 to provide boxing sessions for young people.
- £3,518 was awarded to Eden Rivers Trust to improve access and bio-diversity in Engine Lonning in Carlisle.
- Carlisle-based wellbeing group iCan was supported with £4,500 towards meditation and breathwork sessions, and 'healing hikes.'
- £3,000 was also earmarked for the Friends of Chances Park, towards creating a labyrinth. This will be awarded when other funding has been secured.
As well as approving the community investments the panel, which is part of Cumberland Council, formally adopted its five priorities. These were agreed after consultation with the community.
They are:
- Environmental issues
- Crime and antisocial behaviour
- Housing
- Public service framework
- City and town centres
These priorities will run alongside Cumberland Council’s central aim of improving the health and wellbeing of residents.
Cllr Jeanette Whalen, Chair of the Carlisle West Community Panel, said: “I’m really pleased at the scope and quality of projects we’ve been able to support.
“They are all things we know our residents will find useful or important – because they helped us decide the priorities that guide our decision making.
“I look forward to seeing how all these projects progress and contribute to the vibrancy and wellbeing of their communities.”
Cllr Lisa Brown, Cumberland Council Deputy Leader, said: “It’s gratifying to see another of our Community Panels put its weight behind so many fantastic projects.
“Community Panels have always been about listening to our residents and letting them guide local investment. We can now see this happening, and it’s very encouraging so far – I am looking forward to seeing Community Panels continue to fund innovative, resident-focused projects.”
The Carlisle West Community Panel covers the wards of Castle, Belle Vue, Morton, Denton Holme and Yewdale.
The application deadline for the next round of Community Panel support for Carlisle West is February 14. Find out more here: Carlisle West | Cumberland Council