£200,000 cash boost for community projects in Brixham and Paignton

Some of Torbay’s most deprived areas stand to benefit from a £200,000 council cash injection.

The money will be spent on projects in Paignton and Brixham, as Torquay already has significant government money in the bank.

Torbay Council’s cabinet committee is likely to give the plan the go-ahead when it meets next Monday.

The ‘Community Grant Fund’ of council money was launched during budget consultations in the winter. Its aim is to support the so-called ‘Third Sector’ of voluntary and community organisations.

A report for the meeting says: “The council is committed to supporting organisations that deliver projects which have a beneficial impact on the local community.

“This grant fund aims to further enable work in Torbay’s deprived areas outside of Torquay, which is benefiting from other significant place-based funding.”

Above: The Man and Boy statue at Brixham Harbour. Image: Guy Henderson

When the fund was launched, councillors cited the example of the ‘Making Melville Marvellous’ regeneration project in Torquay as an example of what could be done elsewhere.

Council leader David Thomas (Con, Preston) said: “We are looking at our most deprived areas, and it is a brand-new opportunity for some of those communities to bid for money.

And Cllr Alan Tyerman (Con, Churston with Galmpton) added: “We are looking for things that will have a lasting impact on those communities.”

Cabinet members are voting on the fund for one year only, and individual grants of up to £40,000 each will be available. Applications need to be submitted by Friday 25 July, and will be assessed by a panel in around six weeks.

Successful applicants will receive funds within 12 weeks.