The organisers of the Community Chest initiative, which will award grants to residents, are inviting people who have ideas on improving life in the community to put forward their suggestions.

The project is looking to fund groups that can demonstrate that they can significantly contribute to enhance the quality of life and health of local people. If you have a proposal in mind which may tackle local crime, provide an opportunity for regeneration of local areas, increase equality of opportunity and access, and so forth, you should pick up an application form from the Community Shop at 5 Leeming Road, Borehamwood.

Bids will be assessed by an independent grants sub committee, according to specific criteria. The project seeks to target certain sectors of the community in particular: ethnic minorities, lone parents, people with disabilities, elderly people, unemployed people and disengaged young people. The project also seeks to increase participation in local democratic processes, enhance employment prospects and benefit new, small scale sustainable community projects. The average amount awarded is anticipated to be around £1000, and bids are being considered now.