All South Gloucestershire Councillors have £3,000 to spend on projects that will benefit people in their ward.

The grants have to be finalised earlier in this financial year than in past years, so it’s important that you make an application soon. The first stage is to talk to your local councillor, who can provide you with an application form. You can find out more, including details of advice sessions in early October, on the council website. For projects benefiting Westerleigh ward, Claire Young is looking for inquiries by 15 October, with the aim of getting applications back by mid-November.

Last year your Focus Team supported projects including:

• Allotments to support Viaduct Animal Sanctuary
• Lighting upgrade and partial ceiling replacement at Coalpit Heath Cricket Club
• A project to record our local mining heritage
• Wheelchair clamps for Green Community Transport

If your project covers a wider area of South Gloucestershire, you can apply for an Area-Wide Grant. Again, more information can be found on the South Glos website. The deadline for applications is 1 November.