SCHOOLS and voluntary groups can apply for a new wave of cash to transform derelict areas.

The latest round of funding from the Tidy Towns initiative is now available and groups in the county are being encouraged to apply after a launch at the Bryn Gwalia community vegetable garden in Mold.

Councillor Matt Wright, Flintshire Council’s executive member for regeneration and tourism, said: “The Bryn Gwalia community garden is a great example of what the Tidy Towns scheme is all about, turning something that was derelict into productive use.

“Last year this area behind the club house was wasteland but thanks to funding from this initiative and the hard work of the whole community it’s now a fantastic gardening space.”

Tidy Towns is Welsh Assembly Government funded and grants between £1,000 and £15,000 are available before the deadline on June 18.

Projects need to support Flintshire’s Town Action Plan which addresses regeneration priorities in the county’s main town centres and will be expected to focus on lasting improvements to the environment, such as clearance of litter and fly tipping, environmental improvements and enhancements to biodiversity and habitats.

Flintshire Council has commissioned BTCV to work with groups to ensure projects address all the funding requirements.

For an application form and further advice on eligibility, please contact Hywel Dodd at BTCV on 01978 261538 or e-mail hywel.dodd@btcv.org.uk.

You can contact Keep Wales Tidy on 07717 495 188, or e-mail Judith.wright@keepwalestidy.org.