£30,000 fund for local community groups

Small grants of between £100 and £1000 are available for community projects or activities, for example a one-off event such as a street party or a football tournament, sports gear for a youth club or tools for a local environmental group.

"We are looking forward to hearing from groups who have great ideas about how this money should be spent," says council leader and Riverside ward councillor Nick Stanton. "It could be for equipment or an event, there are a wealth of possibilities.

"The community fund is designed for people to use in their local areas on things that will benefit them and their neighbours and will make a real practical difference."

Community Fund grants are intended for community groups, although groups of neighbours with a project idea can also apply for a grant. The projects should take place between March and August 2006.

Applications for Community Fund grants and ideas need to be submitted no later than 17 February 2006 if you live in the Bermondsey (Riverside, Grange and South Bermondsey wards) or Borough & Bankside (Cathedrals and Chaucer wards) community council areas.

The council is also looking for ideas from the public for an activity or event, like a cultural celebration, a concert or a festival. Everyone who submits an idea will be entered into a free prize draw to win an iPod shuffle.

To apply for a grant or put forward your ideas for an activity or event contact Liza Morshead on 020 7525 5108, email [email protected]">[email protected] or write to Liza Morshead, Southwark Council, Peckham Programme, Sumner House, Sumner Avenue, London SE15.