Council launches scheme for Jubilee

A funding pot of £10,000 has been set aside by Chichester District Council to help communities celebrate The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

Parish councils across the district are invited to apply directly to Chichester District Council for grants of up to £250 to pay for lasting tributes such as tree planting, street furniture and equipment for celebrations that can be reused.

It is hoped that the funding will help support the exciting events taking place across Chichester district over the bumper bank holiday weekend of Thursday, June 2, to Sunday, June 5, marking Her Majesty’s 70 years as reigning monarch.

Councillor Roy Briscoe, cabinet member for community services and culture at Chichester District Council, said: “There will be many ways people can get involved to mark this momentous occasion.

“We hope that this funding will mean that we will have lasting tributes that will remind us of the legacy of extraordinary public service built up over the many decades by Her Majesty, The Queen.

“Parish councils can apply now for the grants which can be used in a variety of ways, as long as they are lasting tributes that future generations can remember this special year by.”

Another way to mark the event is by planting trees through the Queen’s Green Canopy initiative.

More than three million saplings are available to schools and community groups to plant through The Woodland Trust.

Individuals, villages and businesses are also encouraged to get involved and fundraise for their own trees to enhance the local environment.

Councillor Penny Plant, cabinet member for environment and Chichester Contract Services at Chichester District Council, said: “The Queen’s Green Canopy is a great opportunity to build upon the work we are doing with free tree scheme, Tree Chichester District.

“To date, Chichester District Council has given away more than 8,000 trees.

“Every tree planted in Chichester district will bring benefits for people, wildlife and climate, now and for the future.

“The Queen’s Green Canopy is another chance for residents to play their part in celebrating our monarch’s incredible milestone in a meaningful way.”

The official tree planting season ends in March and begins again in October 2022.

Visit www.queens greencanopy.org and www. woodlandtrust.org.uk for more details.