Get flashy with festive funding

Swale Borough Council is spreading the Christmas cheer with £25,000 to support Christmas lights across the borough, albeit very late in the day.

The festive display grant has been set up to help local organisations provide Christmas displays, in towns and villages across the borough of Swale.

Organisations are being invited to apply for funding to support Christmas display projects as soon as possible, as the money will be allocated at the beginning of November.

However there are some serious obstacles to overcome, you need to be an established organisation with a bank account which immediately precludes opportunities for new community groups. You will have to organise estimates and quotations for the purchase of the lights, electrical contractors etc and also have all the relevant permissions and insurances to erect the lights and all within just under 4 weeks.

Cllr Duncan Dewar-Whalley, cabinet member for finance and performance at the council, said:

“We know that local communities take great pride when they’re getting into the Christmas spirit, and these displays bring smiles to the faces of visitors and locals alike.

“We’re making this funding available to help local organisations that might want to update or improve their displays, or to help people put on displays in areas that haven’t had one before.

“If any groups do want help with funding, I encourage them to get in touch as soon as possible so we can make a decision, get them the money, and we can light up the borough for Christmas!”

The closing date for applications is Friday 2 November, with all applications being assessed and notified week commencing Monday 5 November.

More information is available at www.swale.gov.uk/festive-display-grant including guidance notes and the application form,

For more information contact jenniferstringer@swale.gov.uk or sophiaramm@swale.gov.uk or call 01795 417193.

Nice and late so no one can apply then money can go on councillors Xmas festivities sickening 3 weeks to sort