THE Bude Community Network Panel heard that the Cornwall Councillor Community Chest is now open, at its recent meeting.

Each member of the grant scheme has an allocation of £2,000, which will assist local projects and community groups in the area they represent. This year there will also be an opportunity to incorporate Crowdfunding into the scheme.

The grants can be used in a variety of ways, such as helping vulnerable people or young people, providing and supporting facilities in the community, supporting environment projects and more.

Local groups and organisations in the Bude network will be able to apply for the small grants available from the scheme, which range from a minimum of £100 to a maximum of £1,000.

Applicants should consult with their Cornwall Councillor to ensure an application would be supported and funds will be available.

The closing date for applications is February 16, 2018.

Cornwall Councillors in Bude and the surrounding area are Peter La Broy (Lib Dem), Bude; Nigel Pearce (Lib Dem), Bude; Nicky Chopak (Lib Dem), Poundstock; and Paula Dolphin (Lib Dem), Grenville and Stratton.