MPs CALL FOR LOCAL LOTTERY FUNDING

2.45.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Mon 14th Apr 2008

Cornwall's five Liberal Democrat MPs have urged community groups to apply for grants from Groundwork UK to improve local green spaces.

£50 million is available across the country in grants of up to £450,000 for groups who want to make their neighbourhoods cleaner and greener. The funds are being allocated to create and support play areas, community gardens, parks, wildlife areas, ponds, courts, and village greens.

Further information can be found on the CommunitySpaces website at http://www.community-spaces.org.uk

Commenting, North Cornwall's MP, Dan Rogerson, said:

"We're keen that local groups across Cornwall should take advantage of this funding.

"Of course we are lucky to have some of the most beautiful countryside in Britain, but further advantages could be taken of our open spaces.

"In particular, I'd like to see more play spaces, so that local parents have somewhere to take their children."

South East Cornwall MP, Colin Breed, added:

"We need to protect and maintain our village greens and open spaces, and I am more than happy to lend my support to this scheme.

"I urge any local community groups whose dreams have so far been limited by financial considerations to visit the website and put in an application for funding as soon as possible."