Funds are now available for groups in Aberdeenshire Council's Marr area for community planning projects, improvements and community Christmas lights projects.

Community groups are being encouraged to make use of the area’s top-up budget that has been set aside for town and village improvement projects across Marr, from Huntly and Alford to Banchory and Braemar.

Grants of up to £500 are available and projects such as flower tubs; hanging baskets; planting arrangements; village hall improvements; community notice-boards and replacement street furniture have received support in previous years.

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Those who apply for grants should be able to demonstrate that they have community support, for example, an endorsement from the Community Council.

In addition the Area Committee has assigned funding to underwrite community based events up to a maximum of £500 per event and towards community Christmas lights projects up to a maximum of £3,000 per community subject to match funding and to certain criteria being met.

Councillor Moira Ingleby, chair of Marr’s Area Committee said: “The grants are intended to be used alongside community effort and should also be enhanced by local fundraising.

“A lot of work is carried out by community groups who give up time and resources to get projects off the ground and in providing this extra resource the council is doing all it can to support local organisations and help enhance our area for the benefit of all residents.”

Further information on the grants and application forms can be obtained from the Marr Area Office, School Road, Alford, AB33 8TY, by e-mail at [email protected] or by telephone on 019755 6480.

(GK)