Cumberland community projects have received funding from a panel.

Various grass roots initiatives have benefitted from investment from from the Fells and Solway Community Panel, which covered a diverse range of projects.

These included a memorial garden, a website, and a fitness trail in Silloth on Solway, among others.

One of the significant contributions was the £4,000 awarded to Silloth on Solway Sports Association.

This amount is intended for constructing a fitness trail close to the promenade, near Skinburness Road.

In addition, the Watchtree Nature Reserve received £7,000 for the creation of boardwalks in their Education Zone.

The aim is to encourage more visits whilst preserving and developing this area of the reserve.

Holme Abbey Parish Council also benefitted, receiving £3,500 to fund a garden equipped with accessible seating in Abbeytown.

The garden project will feature two raised planters under the responsibility of the Eco Church and will also exhibit two pieces of historical farming machinery.

Other grants provided included £4,000 given to Wigton Burial Joint Committee for improvements to be made at the entrance of Wigton Cemetery.

The Blencogo and District Village Hall Committee received £3,000 to assist in buying Blencogo Village Hall from the Diocese of Carlisle.

The hall serves as a gathering place for around 175 people weekly, and the grant helps ensure continued operations despite new lease term modifications.

Wigton Theatre Club was given £2,500 for CCTV at the John Peel Theatre after recent vandalism.

The Fells and Solway panel also mentioned other beneficial investments agreed separately that were less than £1,500.

For instance, Friends of St Cuthbert’s School received £1,000 for enhancing their outdoor space, Holme East Waver Parish Council received £500 for developing a website, £550 went to Richmond Hill Primary School for road safety pavement signs.

Kirkbampton Parish Council received 31,320 for a bus shelter in Little Bampton and energy efficient LED lighting is a step closer for Kirkbride Bowling and Tennis Club after a £1,180 donation.

The chairman of Fells and Solway Community Panel, Cllr Tony Markley, said: "These projects show a great range of community provision, and we are lucky to have so many community organisations keen to make life better for our residents.

"I look forward to seeing these projects move forward and make a difference."

Similarly, Cllr Lisa Brown, Cumberland's executive member for adults and community health, expressed her pride in funding the projects, stating: "Every one of these fantastic projects helps support the council’s core priority – the health and wellbeing of all.''

The panels distribute Cumberland Council funds to various community projects, identifying gaps, and utilising a community network to determine each area's needs.

There are eight community panels in total, each covering a specific council area.

To secure funding from these panels, community groups are advised to connect with their area's community development officer before making a formal application.

The deadline for the next investment round is August 14.