Town Groups Steering Group
Community Fund

Did you know...
Resident representatives from each of our market towns and surrounding areas (Chippenham, Corsham, Calne, Malmesbury, Cricklade and Wootton Bassett) meet regularly to consider applications from local groups for funding?

Once a year, the Town Groups Steering Group commissions a short survey in each of the market towns to identify areas of concern – and last year this helped it decide that bids for funding youth projects should be given priority. Some of the successful applications are outlined in the panel below.

If you know of a group or organisation in your area which could benefit from a donation from the Town Groups Community Fund, please contact Karen Williams on 01249 466175 or provide a written request to The Town Groups Steering Group c/o Karen Williams, Westlea Housing, Chippenham SN14 0GU or by email to karen.williams@westlea.co.uk.

All applications must give information about how the funding would improve a community facility and the quality of life for Westlea residents and their neighbours. Amounts can be from just a few pounds to a few hundred. (Larger bids are considered, but may be only part funded.)

• Salamander Project – in partnership with Wiltshire Fire & Rescue Service, this project aims to influence the attitude and behaviour of young people to reduce the negative impact of antisocial behaviour within the community. The Town Groups gave a substantial sum to cover the cost of placements for children of Westlea residents.

• Thames Pre-School, Cricklade – awarded a grant to buy an outdoor wooden shelter (below) to enable the children to work and play outside in all weather.

• 3rd Chippenham Brownie Unit – given funding for a visit to Brownsea Island in Dorset, the home of the Guiding and Scouting movement and for other outward bound activities.

• St Dunstan’s Primary School, Calne – St Dunstan’s asked for a donation towards development of a sensory garden to enable the creation of a wonderful and lasting resource to be enjoyed by all.

• Cricklade Skateboard Park – a bid was received from Thomas, a 13-year-old resident, asking for help to improve the facilities at the skateboard park, used by a lot of Westlea residents' children. Cricklade Town Council is holding the donation until the target is met.

• Charter Rose Centre at Charter Primary School, Chippenham – this centre for autistic children was awarded a grant towards multi-sensory equipment to help develop the children’s skills to help them cope with life when they move on.