UP TO £10,000 is available for individuals and groups in the South Whitehaven area, who want to improve their community.

The New Ideas Fund, led by Well Whitehaven, a project aimed at improving the lives of those living in the Mirehouse, Corkickle and Snebro community, will support new ideas, activities and events, and applications will open on June 16.

The fund will support projects in three key areas to improve residents' lives: the environment, safety and social activities. This is a result of feedback from those living in the community. Individuals and informal groups can apply for up to £300 and formal groups and organisations can apply for up to £1,000.

Jac Cardy, Well Whitehaven Community Panel Member said: “We are excited to hear from the community regarding their ideas for new events and activities in their area. We are extremely keen to see ideas coming from local groups and people.

“You do not have to live within the Well Whitehaven area to apply, but your idea must benefit residents of the Mirehouse, Corkickle and Snebro community.”

The fund will be led by the Well Whitehaven Community Panel which is represented by those that live and work in the Well Whitehaven area.

Emma Williamson, Social Inclusion and Community Resilience Team Leader, Copeland Borough Council, said: “It is important that the panel is representative of the needs of the community and that local people are at the heart of finding solutions to local needs and making funding decisions that benefit their area.”

The funding will be administered by Copeland Community Fund on behalf of the Well Whitehaven Community Panel.