Birds, bowls and ball games have all been spotlighted for funding by the Carlisle West Community Panel.
The panel, which invests in community projects on behalf of Cumberland Council, supported grass roots schemes to the tune of £6,700 at its last meeting:
- Carlisle Society for the Blind was awarded £337 to hire space for monthly sessions of Goalball at St James’ Parish Centre. Goalball is a fast-paced team game played by both sighted and visually impaired people.
- The Friends of Newtown School received £2,000 towards an outdoor area for children who may find the classroom challenging due to negative childhood experiences.
- The Penrith Swift Group was given £1,015 towards installing two benches and information panels at Swifts Nature Reserve in Carlisle. This will raise awareness of the endangered bird, whose numbers have declined by 60 per cent in the last 20 years.
- Carlisle Subscription Bowling Club was awarded £1,345 towards repainting its clubhouse in Fusehill Street.
- Pride in North Cumbria (PINC) received £2,000 for costume and banner workshops linked to the Cumbria Diversity Carnival on 21 June. The creative workshops, for children and adults, will be at James Rennie School, Carlisle Youth Zone and PINC’s headquarters.
The Chair of Carlisle West Community Panel, Cllr Jeanette Whalen, said: "I am really pleased we are able to support local groups seeking to make the area better for all ages. I look forward to hearing about the impact all these projects have in their communities."
Cumberland Council’s eight Community Panels were designed to put residents at the heart of decision making in their communities. Made up of ward councillors, they work with residents, businesses and partners to ensure targeted investment.
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 the Carlisle West area is 15 August. Email carlislewest@cumberland.gov.uk for more information, or visit Community Panels | Cumberland Council.