The Royal Borough of Greenwich recently launched the borough-wide scheme where local groups can apply directly for funding for ambitious grassroots projects in their area.

The fund is a portion of the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL), a scheme introduced by Government allowing councils to raise money from developments which is then used to deliver infrastructure improvements.

A series of drop in sessions will be held across the borough in January. Council officers will be there to answer any questions and provide guidance. There is no need to book and interested parties can just turn up on the day.

Drop in sessions

The drop in sessions will be held in each of the four Neighbourhood areas of the Growth Fund:

• Woolwich Centre Library (Reader Development Room): 2pm to 4pm, Thursday 11 January 2018
• Plumstead Library (Citizens Advice Bureau Room): 2pm to 4pm, Tuesday 16 January 2018
• Eltham Centre Library (Eltham Centre Library Atrium): 2pm to 4pm, Wednesday 17 January 2018
• Greenwich Centre Library (Meeting Room One): 2pm to 4pm, Monday 22 January 2018.

Further guidance

Applicants can also get guidance and their questions answered by emailing growth-fund@royalgreenwich.gov.uk.

The deadline for applications is 4 February 2018.

'Tangible benefits for local communities'

Councillor Denise Hyland, Leader of the Council, said: "The Greenwich Neighbourhood Growth Fund is just one of the ways we can ensure that there are tangible benefits for local communities from the development programmes we are working to bring to the Borough."

'A wonderful opportunity'

Councillor Danny Thorpe, Deputy Leader, and Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Sustainability, said: "This is a wonderful opportunity for grassroots community groups to come forward with ambitious proposals that make a real different to their local area."

Find out more about the Greenwich Neighbourhood Growth Fund