Two more communities in Sevenoaks are to benefit from grants following successful applications.

Separate applications were made for funding towards projects within Westerham and Crockham Hill ward and Eynsford.

Westerham and Crockham Hill Cllr Kevin Maskell submitted an application to Sevenoaks District Council’s Big Community Grants Scheme and was successful in receiving £150.

The money will go toward setting up a food bank within Westerham, helping families who struggle to put adequate food on the table.

Information within the application says that although Westerham has affluent parts, there is an area within the ward which falls between the 20 and 40 percentiles of the most deprived areas in England.

Volunteers and donations will help get the food bank off the ground but the money gained from this community fund is going to be used to buy collection bins which will be placed around the town.

A second application, made by Cllr Michael Horwood, was also successful in receiving funding of £1,500.

Cllr Horwood, who is the speed watch co-ordinator for Eynsford, requested the funding so the village has it’s own Speedwatch board (and so neighbouring Farningham could also benefit) as the existing one have to be borrowed from Sevenoaks District Council.

The board will be used to visually show drivers their speed as a reminder to keep to the limit.

Cllr Roddy Hogarth, the council’s cabinet member for The Big Community Fund, said: “These two successful applications are just another example of the selfless work carried out by people within the District and I’m really pleased we can help continue this valuable work and support new projects through this scheme.”

The scheme exists to help organisations which provide services, activities or projects which benefit residents, with the focus being to those in greatest of need.

Anyone wishing to apply for a Big Community Fund grant, which can be a maximum of £3,000 per ward, or £6,000 as a joint application with a neighbouring ward, should contact their local district councillor.

For more info visit www.sevenoaks.gov.uk/bcf or call 01732 227000.