COUNCILLORS have merged two community grant aid schemes into one.

The former aid to voluntary groups grant and social services grants have been put together with a fund of more than £85,000 available to help projects.

It will be aimed at helping voluntary and community groups, especially those which address depravation and social exclusion or provide personal social services.

The new scheme will run two pots of money, one with grants available up to £5,000 under which applicants are expected to match the amount of grant.

There is also a small grants scheme with a maximum of £500 available.

A voluntary sector grants consultation panel has been set up to assess applications.

Its chairman, Cllr Cliff Morris, said that the move was part of the council's streamlining process and merging the two funds would help the council target the areas most in need. He said: "Scores of groups and individuals have been helped over the years and we plan to continue this valuable work.

"I'd like to stress to people who formerly applied to the social services scheme that they should now send their applications to the new panel."

The panel will meet in October and December and in February and March.

Application forms and further details can be obtained from Eileen Barton, grants officer, room 207, Town Hall, Bolton, tel 01204 522311, ext 1095.

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