Kingstonfirst is offering £7,000 for community projects that will help Kingston get on the map, increase footfall or impact the town in a positive way.
Schools, businesses and local associations can apply for the fund, which has been running for several years, with this year being the first it is open to all applicants.
A spokesperson for Kingstonfirst said that the funding comes from voluntary contributions and has helped improve the town over previous years.
He said: “We don’t have all the answers to putting on events and animating the town. We know we’ve got an amazingly strong community in Kingston and they have got as many good ideas as anyone else. This is their chance to really animate the town.
“We always have a community fund, so anyone who feels that they can offer something to the town centre that animates it or that will drive footfall here, that is what the fund is for.”
Previous applications for the fund have been arts festivals, carnivals and other projects which have livened up the town.
Old London Road Traders Associations received £650 in funding last year, with Kingstonfirst helping them with various other events including the Christmas light switch on.
Isam Naom, of Old London Road Traders Association and owner of Fast Stitch, said the funding helped with advertising and to host events on Old London Road.
He said: “What we do are the sort of activities that encourage more footfall to come to the road. With the help of all the traders on the street we do games for children and things that get more families to come to the area.
“Generally, in the whole town centre, you can’t find a family atmosphere like Old London Road. We all work together to make it more attractive to come to these events.”
Applicants can request up to £4,000 to help with their project.
All applications will be debated at Kingstonfirst’s Events Sub-Committee, with successful applications notified by the end of February.
Applications for the fund close on January 31st.
Image courtesy of Hazel Stuart/Robert Harding/Rex
