After almost a year, cash is now in the kitty for local projects.

After almost a year, the Making it Local grants programme has re-opened to new applications.

The move has been described as “positive” by the programme’s chairman.

A �50,000 cash grant is now up for grabs for local rural businesses and communities in the Blackdown Hills and East Devon Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Due to budgetary cuts, the programme was closed to new applications in June last year but, with a cash injection from the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), businesses, community and voluntary groups, social enterprises and charities are now invited to apply for a slice of the cake.

Paul Diviani, chairman of the programme management group, said: “We are one of a number of local action groups in the South West to benefit from the extra funding and this is very positive news for the local area.”

Applicants can apply for between �1,000 and �10,000 for their project, but they must meet the Making it Local eligibility criteria.

Melanie Sealey, the Making it Local programme manager, said; “We want to fund projects that make the most of this diverse and beautiful area, are sensitive to nature and support local communities and businesses.

“We want the funding to leave a long-term legacy and help people to be more connected with the landscapes in which they live and work.”

Visit www.makingitlocal.gov.uk for further details.