Have your say in how £1million grant is spent (From Borehamwood Times)

Big Local project seek volunteers to decide how to spent £1m National Lottery grant

2:56pm Wednesday 31st October 2012 in News By Anna Slater

Volunteers are needed to have their say in how a £1million grant will be spent in the Leeming and Aycliffe areas.

The Big Local project, based in Leeming Road, Borehamwood, was handed the grant by the National Lottery last year to help improve the area.

Over the last 18 months, the group have been consulting with residents to identify areas of need across the community.

They are holding an open day on Thursday, November 8 to help recruit members for a community forum who will have the final input in how the cash is spent.

Donna Inwood, chairwoman of the Big Local, said: “It is a truly fantastic project and we have been working really hard in working out how the money should be spent.

“Now we are at a point where we can start using it to make a difference in the lives of the people who live in the area.

“People will start approaching us with ideas on how the money could be spent – such as on a dance club – and it will be up to the community forum to decide if that’s viable.

“It is a truly exciting project so we are looking for enough volunteers to help us lift it off the ground.”

During the consultation period, six areas of need in the area were identified – including families, youth, over 55s, minorities, health and education.

Over 3,000 people in the Leeming and Aycliffe areas of Borehamwood responded to the consultation, which was launched last May but ended this month.

Mrs Inwood, who lives in Shenley, added: “A million pounds is fantastic but we have to make sure the money is spent wisely, and stretches as far as we can possible make it.

“We hope anyone interested in becoming a member of the Community Forum will come and support the open day to get involved with the fantastic work we are trying to do.”

The open day will run from 11am to 6pm at the Big Local Community Shop, in Leeming Road, Borehamwood.