TWO TAMESIDE green projects have received a financial boost after being awarded grants from Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham.
Reach Community Garden, in the Millbrook area of Stalybridge and Hyde’s Vitality Gardens are among 31 across the region to be successful in round two of the Green Spaces Fund.
The former sees the regeneration of disused land into a sustainable and multifunctional community garden.
And the latter is helping turn abandoned, overgrown and fly tipped allotment space situated behind housing into a usable growing area and peace garden for local community use.
The money they receive is part of almost £800,000 being given out by the fund, which makes small and large grants available for community groups wanting to create new, spaces or improve existing ones in their local area, particularly where there is currently a lack of good quality green space.
Mr Burnham said: “The Green Spaces Fund continues to give communities the support to improve their local areas, in turn helping to make Greater Manchester a greener and fairer place.
“The variety of schemes we’ve been able to support through the second round of the fund really demonstrates the vast benefits that green space can have, from physical and mental health wellbeing to community togetherness and the biodiversity of our region.
“This is why it’s so important that everyone has access to some form of green space wherever they live.
“The next round of funding is due to open very soon, so if you think you can make a difference to your community, I’d really encourage you to consider making an application and helping turn your local area green.”
Similar projects in Tameside can apply for funding in round three of the Green Spaces Fund, which opens on Monday, March 27.
Small grants up to £15,000 and large grants between £15,000 and £40,000 are available.