Grants to help cut harmful gas emissions

GRANTS of up to £3,000 are available for community groups and organisations in Leicestershire to develop “green” projects.

Leicestershire County Council’s Shire Environment Grant scheme invites applications from groups looking at innovative projects to minimise household waste, reduce carbon emissions and improve biodiversity.

The council’s remit is to fund projects which maintain or build on some of the positive environmental benefits that have arisen from the Covid-19 pandemic, such as increased involvement in the local community and a greater appreciation of nature.

Examples provided by the council range from supporting sustainable “green” spaces, reducing the amount of household waste and greenhouse gas emissions within communities, as well as improving biodiversity.

Projects could support the council’s wider aim of Leicestershire becoming carbon neutral before of by 2050.

Councillor Blake Pain (above), cabinet member for action on climate change, said: “Local awareness of taking care of the environment and combating climate change continues to increase, and, with less use of cars and more walking and cycling, we want to encourage more groups around the county to come forward and apply.”

The application deadline for the current round of funding is Friday, July 31. For further information visit https://www. leicestershirecommunities.org.uk/ grants/environment-grant or email environmentgrant@leics.gov.uk.