Council launches ‘Pride in Your Place’ campaign

Mid Suffolk District Council has launched a campaign to clean-up neighbourhoods, build community pride and tackle the doorstep issues that voters said mattered to them.

The new ‘Pride in Your Place’ campaign will give every town and village the opportunity to apply for funding for projects which improve the appearance and cleanliness of their community.

Once awarded, the money can be used for initiatives like litter picking, sign cleaning, graffiti removal, the maintenance/enhancement of open public spaces and more.

These projects will complement routine grounds and maintenance work already carried out by the council and partner authorities, but Mid Suffolk’s new administration also wants to help communities to tackle local frustrations and issues that voters said were important to them during the recent local elections.

Cllr Tim Weller, cabinet member for environment, culture and wellbeing, said:

"We’re delighted to launch the fund and to work together with our communities in this way. We want this to have a positive impact on every town and village. We live in a beautiful district and want everyone to feel proud of that.

"Our teams work hard to maintain the district but together, we can do so much more. By joining forces and being proud of where we live, we can also send a clear message that there is no place for vandalism and illegal dumping in our communities.”

Under the funding scheme, parishes with a population over 1,500 are eligible to apply for up to £400 in funding. For those with a population below 1,500, up to £250 can be applied for.

Applications can also be made by voluntary, community and social enterprises with support from their local town or parish council.

They must be received by the council by 31 October 2023 and awards and payments will be made within 21 days of receipt of an eligible application.

More information about the ‘Pride in Your Place’ campaign and an application form can be found on the council’s website.