COMMUNITY groups and charities in the Birchwood and Culcheth area are being offered a funding boost.

Birchwood Park has teamed up with The Birchwood Partnership and Warrington Voluntary Action to provide grants of up to £3,000 for worthy causes.

The 'Birchwood Grassroots Fund' extends to groups in Locking Stumps, Oakwood, Gorse Covert, Rixton and Culcheth and has already helped a number of community organisations since its launch at the end of last year.

Risley Moss Action Group used a grant to supply equipment for its annual Green Safari Day, 3rd Warrington Scouts used £1,000 to improve the lighting in their hall and St Helen’s Church in Hollins Green put £1,000 towards the refurbishment of its community hall.

Suzanne Whitelaw, at Birchwood Park, said: "The success of The Birchwood Grassroots Fund has been really encouraging.

"We have always been committed to improving our area and are delighted that we have been able to empower inspirational groups that make a significant contribution to their communities.

"In particular, our aim with the grant programme has been to introduce a process that is simple and accessible, with the only credential being that the group is based in Birchwood or East Warrington."

The panel will meet every two months to review and process applications – the minimum award is £100.

Applicants must provide details of the organisation’s background, an explanation of the project they wish to be funded, why it is important to the community and how many people are expected to benefit from the grant.

To meet the criteria, the community group and charity must have a yearly income of £30,000 or less.

To find out more or for more information about how to apply visit birchwood.org.uk/fund