Independent businesses in Longton town centre have just a couple of weeks left to apply for a share of £10,000 of funding which is expected to “breathe new life” into the town.
Longton Community Action Grants offer sums of £500 to independent businesses, community groups and not-for-profit companies to support their ideas on how to revitalise Longton.
The money must be spent on items to benefit the community or make improvements to the town centre. Examples include things such as signage to enhance existing assets or new items for community benefit such as litter picking equipment.
There is £4,000 to give away in round one, and a further £6,000 the following year.
The scheme is being funded through the government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund, which is administered by Stoke-on-Trent City Council.
Urban Wilderness CIC, Longton’s Cultural Action Zone, one of four in Stoke-on-Trent, was awarded up to £150,000 over two years to support cultural and community regeneration of Longton town centre.
Isla Telford, Co-Director of Urban Wilderness CIC, said: “We know that there are lots of people putting a lot of effort into helping Longton thrive, and this fund offers a way for organisations to try out brilliant ideas without being out of pocket.”
Leader of the city council, Councillor Jane Ashworth, said: “This funding will help to breathe new life into Longton and allow organisations to make some of their brilliant ideas reality.
“It will also help to bring increased footfall to the town centre, helping local businesses.”
All applications will be scored by a panel made up of PCSOs, local residents and the local authorities and then rubber-stamped by Longton Town Forum.
Applications for round one are open until midday on Friday, 16 February. Round two will open in May 2024.
Full details of the grants, including application forms, are available here.
