Funding has been put forward to support the transformation of rural and urban spaces in communities across Northern Ireland.

Applications are open for the Small Grants Scheme, managed by the Live Here Love Here campaign, with community-based organisations invited to apply for £500-£3,000 to regenerate a local greenspace for greater community health and wellbeing.

Funded by 10 local councils, NI Housing Executive and supported by Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful, the aim of the initiative is to maximise the potential of green and public places to deliver solutions to Northern Ireland's crises in waste and pollution, nature loss and climate change.

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The Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Alderman Stephen Ross said: "This is a golden opportunity for local community groups, clubs and schools to spruce up their local spaces. The funds could be used for gardening tools, or for resources to transform underused spaces that will be more attractive for the local community.

"To promote the scheme further, Love Here Live Here is hosting a Grants Roadshow on Friday 19 May, from 10am at Antrim Castle Gardens and I would encourage people who are interested to come along and find out more."

Live Here Love Here Manager Helen Tomb added: "The Small Grants Scheme is a great opportunity for people to step up and help both their community and the environment, and to show a bit more kindness to the disused locations that are closest to home.

"We would love to see a flurry of new projects get off the ground this year and add to the many fantastic grassroots schemes that we have supported to date through this seed grant fund."

In 2022, the Smalls Grants Scheme funded 89 local organisations to support community food growing schemes, the developments of communal places for people and wildlife, and endeavours that tackle litter and dog fouling.