Residents encouraged to vote in Neighbourhood Grant poll featuring community projects

The council has announced the shortlist of 18 impactful community projects who could win a share of the town’s £300,000 Neighbourhood Grant funding pot, and residents hold the power to influence which projects secure the grants.

This funding, generated from the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) paid by developers on new housing developments, aims to support local initiatives addressing the impact of growth in the borough. Every year, the Neighbourhood Grant funding is made available to empower local communities and ensure that the benefits of sustainable development are enjoyed by residents.

The shortlisted projects represent a diverse range of community-driven initiatives which could make a meaningful difference across the borough. They include:

• One YMCA: Creating ICT Suite in Charter House for employment training. (£30,000)
• Safer Watford: Enhancing Victoria Passage for accessibility and town vitality. (£76,000)
• Watford Community Housing: Upgrading play space in Foxhill
• Watford & Three Rivers Trust: Improving community facilities at The Barn (£17,676)
• Watford Area Arts Forum: Workshops on 'the planet' and recycling benefits (£3,000)
• The Watford Gurwara: Establishing a phone box library with free books (£12,000)
• Goods for Good (Global): Training program for Watford Hostel residents (£4,842)
• Random Cafe CIC: Café accessibility improvements. (£9,840)
• Friends of Lanchester: Funding for year-round use of an adventure playground (£10,000)
• Home Start Watford & Three Rivers: Additional family support in Central Watford (£4,695)
• Nascot Residents Association: Community-designed ward sculpture (£3,000)
• Watford Mencap: Accessible soft play building for children with disabilities (£20,000)
• Pump House Theatre: Upgrades for improved access and facilities (£15,665)
• West Watford Community Association: Center visibility enhancements (£4,222)
• Alternatives Watford: Development of a sensory space (£15,000)
• Watford Workshop: New mezzanine level for disability support (£20,000)
• West Herts ABC: Boxing sessions targeting disadvantaged youth. (£5,000)
• Tasty Bean: Defibrillator installation at café. (£2,663)

Residents will have the chance to vote for their preferred projects until 16 January, ensuring that the initiatives receiving support align closely with the community's priorities and aspirations.

Elected Mayor of Watford, Peter Taylor with last year's successful applicants including Glen Rovers, Pump House Theatre, Everett Rovers and Friends of Cassiobury Park

Elected Mayor of Watford, Peter Taylor, said: “These projects could make a real difference in our local community. We are thrilled to see such innovative and impactful proposals that aim to enhance our town and its sustainability. We encourage all residents to participate in the voting process to determine where this funding will make the most significant difference.”

For more information about the shortlisted projects and the Neighbourhood Grant programme, please visit watfordneighbourhoodgrant.commonplace.is or contact NCIL@watford.gov.uk.