Roads project grant boost for groups

The bodies behind the upgrading of the area’s motorways have announced that they will give out up to £1,000 to one lucky organisation.

Scottish Roads Partnership (SRP), the company responsible for delivering the £500m upgrade of the M8, M73 and M74 motorways on behalf of Transport Scotland, launched the Good Neighbour Fund along with its main contractors, Ferrovial Lagan and Amey.

The idea is to support communities living close to the project and to bring about “a positive and lasting legacy for the benefit of local residents”.

Organisations eligible for grants must be community, voluntary or charity groups, state-funded education providers or pre-school groups.

Hattonrigg Senior Citizens’ Club in Bellshill was one of the first groups to apply for a grant and benefit from the funding. Members were delighted to receive £500 to fund a visit to the Kelpies and the Falkirk Wheel.

Mary Meechan, club chairperson, said: “The funding encouraged our members to visit places that many of them wouldn’t get the opportunity to see on their own. This grant made a real difference to our members, many of whom are widowed, are infirm or live alone.”

Bothwell Horticultural Society secured £500 for its environmental project, the Butterfly Sensory Garden.

Secretary Harry Marsh said: “We re-vamped the sensory garden which is now a popular attraction for many children and families. This funding will be used to install a new information board at the entrance to the garden.”

The dealine for grant applications is August 31. For more information regarding the fund and to receive an application form, email [email protected] or call 0800 042 0188.