MORE than £200,000 of funding from housing developments has been awarded to community projects across Bournemouth and Poole.

Following a raft of interest, BCP Council awarded the overall pot of £227,000 through the neighbourhood portion fund of the community infrastructure levy (CIL) to 33 projects across 21 wards in the two towns.

The biggest single sum for a single project went to Sandbanks Slipways, with £35,000 awarded to repair five small BCP owned slipways fronting Whitley Lake between Evening Hill and North Haven Yacht Club.

Canford Cliffs Library received £30,000 to extend the community meeting room to enhance the programme of activities and improve disabled access, while £10,000 will be used to replace the canopies for the Art and Makers Market in central Bournemouth.

Councillor Philip Broadhead, BCP Council deputy leader and portfolio holder for development, growth and regeneration, said: “Being able to award this funding to local projects is such an honour as I know what a positive difference it makes.

Bournemouth Echo: Councillor Philip BroadheadCouncillor Philip Broadhead (Image: BCP Council)

“Helping our communities to thrive is one of the cornerstones of our administration, so being able to share this funding on such a local level really is making a positive contribution to us unlocking our aspirations for the BCP area.

“Ensuring that the Community Infrastructure Levy is managed and spent in this way means that local people are truly benefitting from development.”

None of the funding was available to projects in Christchurch, Throop and Holdenhurst through the BCP Council process as the neighbourhood portion of CIL contributions from housing developments in these areas is paid directly to the respective town and parish councils.

Councillor Jane Kelly, BCP Council lead member for communitiesl, said: “Being on the CIL Neighbourhood Panel, is a wonderful reminder of how much our residents value and contribute to their local communities. Really worthwhile projects are happening right across our region and we know that even the smallest of funds awarded can make the biggest difference to those involved.

Bournemouth Echo: Councillor Jane KellyCouncillor Jane Kelly (Image: BCP Council)

“It gives me a great sense of pride to see the successful projects progressing and knowing how much this support means to our community leaders.”

Stay up to date with all the latest community news across Dorset with our dedicated Facebook group. Click here to find out more and join.