Communities in the Winchester district are set to benefit from £300,000 in funding for community infrastructure projects this year.

The funding is coming as part of Winchester City Council’s Community Infrastructure Levy.

Parish councils and community groups are now being invited to submit bids to support new or improved facilities that will benefit local residents and help tackle the pressures of extra development.

The council is inviting submissions until March 31, with funding between £10,000 and £200,000 available to wholly or partly fund projects that improve infrastructure for areas such as walking, cycling and active travel, education, sport and leisure facilities, health and cultural facilities, and more.

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The levy is raised by contributions from new development in the district, with over £1.5 million having already been allocated to 38 different community-led projects as part of the levy since 2019.

The money has helped to part-fund projects across the district, including an upgrade to the sports pavilion in Colden Common, a new pedestrian crossing point in Durley and improved playground facilities at Wickham Recreation Ground.

Speaking about the levy funding, leader of the Council Cllr Martin Tod said: “This latest round of funding from the Community Infrastructure Levy is a great opportunity for organisations to access vital funds to enhance and support local facilities and infrastructure in the Winchester district.

“The levy has already supported a diverse range of projects across the district since 2019, to the benefit of communities across the district.

“The best ideas almost always come from the bottom-up rather than top-down – and we’re excited to see what this next round of funding will bring.”

To find out more and apply for the levy, visit Winchester City Council’s website: www.winchester.gov.uk/apply-for-cil.