Residents and community groups looking to rejuvenate outdoor public spaces could secure up to £1,200 from 'Love Norwich' grants.

Offered by Norwich City Council as part of the UK Government's Shared Prosperity Fund, these grants welcome projects to refurbish existing spaces, kick-start new ones, or target local eyesores.

Applications have already begun to pour in, featuring proposals such as installing accessible raised flowerbeds to build a vibrant neighbourly meeting spot, enhancing planting and biodiversity while installing benches in an existing community garden, and improving a cycle speedway track.

Support is available from Norwich City Council's community enabling team for those starting from scratch; offering help with seeking permissions, guiding the project, giving access to training, and linking projects with like-minded community members.

Applications are accepted from not only established community organisations, but also informal residents’ groups, provided they function within the city council’s boundary.

Further details can be found on https://gettalking.norwich.gov.uk/grants or interested applicants can email community@norwich.gov.uk or ring up on 0344 980 3333, asking for the community enabling team.

Launched in November 2022, the 'Love Norwich' campaign intends to actualise Norwich City Council’s dedication towards making the city cleaner and more attractive for its residents, businesses and visitors.

The initiative aims to collaborate with community members and businesses to effect real change.

Community clear-up events have already been initiated in fly-tipping hotspots, with council-provided equipment being lent to volunteer groups.

Councillor Adam Giles, cabinet member for communities and social inclusion at Norwich City Council, said: "Norwich is an amazing city and we know people who live and work here care deeply about it.

"From the creation of flower beds and community gardens, to installing benches or tackling local eyesores such as turning a graffiti plastered wall into a community mural, the Love Norwich Grant is a fantastic opportunity to help support residents and community groups make real improvements to their local environment."