COMMUNITY groups and parishes across Suffolk are today receiving cash boosts from a grants programme.

COMMUNITY groups and parishes across Suffolk are today receiving cash boosts from a grants programme.

Babergh District Council has handed out more than £83,000 to a variety of projects from village hall refurbishments to sports equipment repairs.

Among the recipients are Copdock and Old Ipswichians Cricket Club which was given £3,000 to replace a practise net and Stutton Community Hall, which was handed £4,000 to help repair the roof.

Tattingstone Village Hall was gifted £4,000 to replace the floor while £650 was granted for new tables in the Tithe Barn in Sproughton.

Money was also awarded to organisations such as Ipswich Citizens Advice Bureau, Home-Start Babergh and Suffolk Wildlife Trust.

Jo Beever, Babergh's community grants officer, said: “All of the groups awarded money provide vital services to their residents and contribute to making sure the district we live in is vibrant and maintains a strong community spirit.”

The groups are the first to benefit from Babergh's streamlined application process which has made it easier for people to get their hands on the cash.

Previously, applicants faced multiple forms and processes if they wanted to apply for money from different pots.

But now the money has been pooled so groups can apply for support for community projects, core costs and business support.

Conditions attached to the programme mean a group that has been awarded a grant above £750 has to match Babergh's funding and all work must be completed by a certain date.

Those awarded less than £750 do not have to match the funding, although it is desirable.

If you would like more information on Babergh's grant programme, please visit www.babergh.gov.uk/babergh/communitygrants, call 01473 825872 or e-mail grants@babergh.gov.uk.

Application packs for 2009/10 will be available from late October.