PROJECTS which support and strengthen local communities in Breckland are being invited to apply for a share of a �25,000 funding pot.

Projects which support and strengthen local communities in Breckland are being invited to apply for a share of a �25,000 funding pot.

Each of the five Breckland market towns and their surrounding villages have been allocated �5,000 of the fund by Breckland Council, and to apply for some of the money projects must prove how they meet the local priorities set for their area.

In Attleborough the priority is bringing people together, while in Dereham projects must show how they are either bringing people or businesses together, or creating a cleaner and greener community.

Groups in Swaffham must show how they are supporting local community projects while those in Thetford must prove they are supporting community building projects

In Watton the priorities are bringing communities together, bringing rural businesses together, and creating a cleaner, greener community.

The cash has been made available through the Your Partnership Your Decision initiative and through The Breckland Partnership local people will play their part in choosing who gets the cash.

William Nunn, chairman of the Breckland Partnership, said: “This is a great opportunity for local people to have a real say in how council funding is spent in their towns through the Breckland Partnership.

“This money could make a big difference to so many of the projects and groups who are currently working to make a significant contribution to our communities.”

For an application form or more information visit www.breckland.gov.uk/your_partnership_your_decision or call Breckland Council on 01362 656870.

Applications must be received by March 12 for the Watton area and by March 8 for the other four areas.

t Breckland Council is also holding a funding fair to help voluntary and community groups in the district secure funding. The event will be on Tuesday, May 18 from 10am until 3.30pm at the Eco Tech Centre in Swaffham. The Big Lottery Fund, Norfolk Community Foundation and Heritage Lottery are among the organisations attending the event.