Praise for town's area boards

A SENIOR councillor has praised the efforts of Warrington’s area boards in providing much-needed grants to community groups across the town.
Cllr Russ Bowden (pictured) the borough council’s lead member for Corporate Resources and Assignments, made his comments as details of the latest grants for Warrington East were published.
He said: “Government cuts have seen the council lose more than £50m a year from its budget since 2010.
“Despite the extremely challenging financial situation, the Labour administration has stood true to its pledge to protect vulnerable residents and to develop stronger communities.”
Cllr Bowden said the “Stronger Together in Warrington” area boards bring together residents, local businesses, partner organisations and other agencies to ensure that community needs are identified and addressed. Each area board had a grants budget to support local community groups and partners with funding for their activities.
He said: “Recent awards to Birchwood include supporting a ‘winter warmth’ campaign targeted at some of our most vulnerable residents. We have also seen grants for various community and residents groups, which will help with local events, sports activities, facilities and improving our environment. This funding is making a real difference at the heart of the community.
“Since 2011, the East Area Board has awarded more than £82,000 of funding grants in Warrington East. These are highly valued and support some vital work and initiatives. It is really important that everyone knows about the assistance that is potentially available through the grant application scheme.”
Since 2011/12, the Warrington East area board has provided the following funding: Birchwood: £9,279.83; Culcheth, Glazebury and Croft: £38,190.10; Poulton North: £9,610.41; Poulton South: £6,238.83; Rixton and Woolston: £19,178.24