Applications are now being invited for the 2020/21 round of funding from a local community improvement fund.

Set up in 2015 by Great Western Railway (GWR), over 130 schemes have now benefited from a share of more than £3 million allocated by the train operator’s Customer and Communities Improvement Fund (CCIF).

Designed to support the communities that the railway serves, GWR is calling for bids of all shapes and sizes which show a link to the railway and provide a community benefit.

In May this year GWR revealed the 39 projects from the 2019/20 scheme to share over £800,000 in funding, including £13,930 funding for a food growing and learning space. 

The project aims to develop existing garden space at Avonmouth station to become a fully operational community food growing and learning space, overseen by Incredible Edible Bristol who are working with Feeding Bristol and Bristol City council towards a ‘Zero Hunger Bristol’. 

Other successful schemes included £46,650 funding for My Train Wales, a scheme to highlight the dangers of trespassing on the railways for primary school children; £16,850 funding for a new adventure playground in Taplow, to raise awareness and provide education about train travel to special needs children and young adults through a play train network.

To apply, visit gwr.com/CCIF All proposals must be submitted by 5pm on Sunday, September 8.