Pubs, community halls, gardens, clubs and other treasured locations across Bolton and the rest of UK can benefit from up to £2m in government funding.

The Community Ownership Fund, which is open again for applications, gives people the chance to save prized community assets that are at risk of being lost forever, and keep them open for future generations to enjoy.

To encourage as many applications as possible and make the process easier, the money available for applicants has doubled to £2m.

And the amount organisations need to match fund has decreased from 50 per cent to 20 per cent.

Minister for Levelling Up Dehenna Davison said: “We want to ensure that the community institutions which are a vital part of our social fabric, like pubs and sports clubs, can continue to play a central role in towns and villages across the UK.

“By doubling the funding that organisations can receive, we are giving communities better opportunities and safeguarding the incredible local assets that are at their heart.”

So far, the Community Ownership Fund has awarded £36.9m to projects across the UK, with £25.5m allocated to 97 projects across England, £5.2m allocated to 24 projects in Scotland, £3.2m to 15 projects in Wales and £3m to 14 projects in Northern Ireland.

The Department for Levelling Up’s £150m fund has already helped 150 community assets get back on their feet since it launched in July 2021.

Recently, Bury FC played their first game since 2019 at the historic Gigg Lane stadium after fans were given £1m from a previous funding round to help them buy the ground.

Applications for the latest window are open until 11.59am on October 11.

To find out more, go to: Community Ownership Fund: prospectus - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) 

If you have a story or something you would like to highlight in the community, please email me at chloe.wilson@newsquest.co.uk or DM me on Twitter @chloewjourno.