Tesco has teamed up with Groundwork to launch its community funding scheme, which sees grants of £4,000, £2,000 and £1,000 – all raised from the 5p bag levy – being awarded to local community projects.
Three groups in every Tesco region have been shortlisted to receive a cash award and shoppers are being invited to vote for their preferred project.
Langport Area Business Group is one of the groups on the shortlist for their Langport in Bloom project, which they very much hope will gain the support of residents, visitors and businesses alike.
Working with Langport Town Council and many community groups, the business group has been looking at ways to enhance their much-loved small town which is bordered by the River Parrett and moorland. Cocklemoor runs along one side of the town. It is owned and maintained by Langport Town Council and is a much-used outdoor space by local schools, visitors, residents, walkers and sportsmen/women. One of the great attributes is that it is level and therefore accessible by wheelchair and buggy making it a popular destination for all ages who come to enjoy the riverside and the wide variety of native animals and insects that inhabit the Somerset Levels.
Kate Gibbins of Windmill Flower Farm, a Langport flower farmer and florist is bringing her knowledge and experience to the scheme to advise on all the practical element of this project.
“Langport in Bloom” is to enhance the walks along the footpaths that take visitors and residents from the town centre along the River Parrett and around the town. Using the expertise of local businesses, the aim is to improve the native flora and fauna with some imaginative, cost effective and sustainable planting schemes and the addition of environmental features such as bug hotels to encourage pollinators and other wildlife.
Local community groups of all ages and abilities have been asked to take part in this project involving community groups from schools (primary/secondary), to special interest groups, clubs and local businesses.
Langport is situated at the heart of the Somerset Levels, and it is hoped that residents, visitors and workers will come to enjoy the improvements that are being made.
There is a lot of enthusiasm and energy behind this project and Langport gardeners can’t wait to get started. Andrea Pyle, who submitted the application to Tesco adds “Langport is a gorgeous town and to be able to involve so many businesses and community groups to help is fantastic.”
Voting is open in all Tesco stores throughout July and August.
Customers will cast their vote using a token given to them at the check-out in store each time they shop.
Tesco’s Bags of Help project has already delivered over £30 million to more than 4,600 projects up and down the UK. Tesco customers get the chance to vote for three different groups every time they shop. Every other month, when votes are collected, three groups in each of Tesco’s regions will be awarded funding.
Lindsey Crompton, Head of Community at Tesco, said: “We are absolutely delighted to open the voting for July and August. There are some fantastic projects on the shortlists and we can’t wait to see them come to life in hundreds of communities.”
Groundwork’s National Chief Executive, Graham Duxbury, comments: “We’ve been thrilled to see the diversity of projects that have applied for funding, ranging from outdoor classrooms, sports facilities, community gardens, play areas and everything in between.
“We’re looking forward to learning the results of the customer vote and then supporting each group to bring their project to life.”
Funding is available to community groups and charities looking to fund local projects that bring benefits to communities. Anyone can nominate a project and organisations can apply online. To find out more visit https://www.tesco.com/carrier-bags/