Projects aimed at improving the community and supporting the lives of residents can now take place thanks to the Community Grant Scheme set up by Newark and Sherwood District Council.

From local sports clubs to parish councils, 20 groups have been given much-needed funding and will share £100,000.

Coun Keith Girling, deputy leader of the council and portfolio holder for Organisational Development and Governance, said: “I have been extremely impressed with the impact this grant scheme has made to our local community.

“Therefore I have made a further recommendation to ask officers to present us with options on what else we can do to further support such community groups.

“I look forward to seeing these options presented shortly to Cabinet for consideration.

“Local good causes play a key role in our communities, especially during this time of economic uncertainty.

“By providing this much-needed funding we can cater for more opportunities for our residents to take part and enjoy services being provided by dedicated local groups and clubs.

“Now more than ever these groups are key to supporting those who are struggling, and also building relationships and growing community spirit.”

Work on some of the schemes in receipt of their grant has already started. A wide range of projects were chosen to receive grants, including Bilsthorpe Green Spaces, Clipstone Community Regeneration Group, Edwinstowe Parish Council, Feel Good Gardens, Ollerton Town Community Football Club, and Rural Community Action Group based at Clipstone.

Jenny Kirkwood, director at Rural Community Action Group, said: “We are delighted to have received this funding. Village halls are the main community hub for many villages.

“We are working with hall management committees to identify and facilitate a regular event for local residents to come together and socialise.

“The project hopes to encourage more isolated residents to get out of the house, while offering local businesses and agencies a regular platform to promote their products and services — a great opportunity for all members of the community to come together to Talk, Learn and Connect.”

Elaine Evans and Rachel Staley, secretary and treasurer respectively at Clipstone Community Regeneration Group, added: “The grant will enable us to work in partnership with the statutory and voluntary sector to bring about growth for the area.

“We are focusing on looking at anti-poverty measures, events, and heritage, but we are also interested in working with all sectors of the community.”