Impactful community projects could receive grants worth thousands of pounds

This is possible thanks to the town’s Neighbourhood Grant programme, and a total of £249,000 could potentially support local groups, including schools, charities and sports clubs, and fund initiatives that will make a real difference across the town.

The funding – which is managed by the council and available on an annual basis – is generated from a Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) that developers pay on new housing developments in the borough. Its purpose is to support local projects that address the impact of new development and ensure local people benefit from sustainable growth in the borough.

To ensure grassroots involvement by people in their local area, residents were able to take part in a voting poll which showed public support for the projects. In total, there were 2,113 votes which will influence the grant allocations. The applicants 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 (£12,500)
• 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 (£14,255)
• West Watford Community Association: Centre visibility enhancements (£4,222)
• Watford Workshop: New mezzanine level for disability support (£20,000)
• West Herts ABC: Boxing sessions targeting disadvantaged youth (£5,000)
• Friends of Oxhey Park: Defibrillator installation at café (£2,663)

PHOTOCAPTION: Collage of some of the successful applicants, including Friends of Oxhey Park, Random Cafe, Pump House Theatre, Home-Start, Watford Workshop, One YMCA and Good for Good

Elected Mayor of Watford, Peter Taylor, said: “It’s great to see so many local organisations have taken advantage of the grants available. The funding is supporting projects that will make a real difference to the lives of people in our communities. It has also been brilliant to see the wide range of proposals from our diverse community, helping people get more actively involved in their neighbourhoods.”

Cllr Aga Dychton, Deputy Mayor and Portfolio Holder for Community, said: “Watford’s Neighbourhood Grant is just one way to help communities feel engaged and included in the future development of their neighbourhood, street, road, park or community centre. As the town continues to grow, it’s important we create communities with the infrastructure needed for local residents.”

The next round of funding will be in open for applications again in summer 2024, however, you can email NCIL@watford.gov.uk if you want to find out more in advance. To read more about the projects, please visit https://watfordneighbourhoodgrant.commonplace.is/