Angus Council has launched two new grant schemes to help local groups improve their environment or support community activities such as gala days.

The two schemes - Civic Pride and Environmental Improvement Grant schemes - will be administered by the council's external funding team, which will provide advice and information to applicants.

The Civic Pride scheme will give non-profit making groups such as community councils or community groups grants of up to £2,000 to help support community projects that encourage civic pride. A total budget of £100,000 is available for the current financial year, and £12,500 will be allocated to each of the eight wards in Angus.

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The Environmental Improvements scheme, also sitting at £100,000 for the current year and to be equally distributed among the eight wards, will be split into two sections. Half of the money will be available for environmental improvements such as litter picking or improving run down areas, and the remainder for improvements to the built environment, for example, shop front upgrading. Private businesses can therefore also apply to this fund. Money will also be available for projects to remove graffiti or to install flower beds and planters.

Applicants for the new grants will also be encouraged to source other funding such as Lottery money for their projects.

(GK/JM)