Helston Town Council has announced the recipients of its inaugural Community Environmental Grant programme.

The council launched its Community Environmental Grant programme in May, offering a boost for local environmental efforts.  

Non-profit organisations and societies within the Helston boundary were invited to apply, with a focus on projects aligning with the council's environmental action plan.

With a focus on tackling key environmental challenges, the £10,000 grant sought applications that addressed areas like reducing carbon emissions, enhancing biodiversity, building community resilience, and raising environmental awareness.

In June, the council awarded grants to a diverse range of organisations and societies, each proposing projects to create a more sustainable Helston. These are as follows:

Grant recipients and projects:

Helston Climate Action Group (£1,000): This group will deliver a workshop offering advice on low-carbon living, energy efficiency, and climate resilience.

Trevow Helston CIC, South Kerrier Alliance CIC & Helston Climate Action Group (£3,000): This collaborative project will support the continuation of the '99p Film Programme' and 'Incredible Edible' initiatives, promoting sustainability and community engagement through urban development projects.

The Epworth Centre (£500): The Epworth Centre will use the grant to build bug hotels, bird boxes, and plant pollinator-friendly areas, enhancing the local biodiversity.

Helston Athletic Football Club (£5,000): The club will upgrade their floodlights to energy-efficient LED lighting, reducing their carbon footprint.

Precious Plastics CIC (£500): Precious Plastics will use the grant to fund the 'Kennel Project,' promoting sustainable waste management and creative material reuse.

After consideration and discussions between councillors, the council decided not to award a grant to YMCA Cornwall this year.

Impressed by the proposals, Helston Town Council commended each organisation's 'outstanding initiatives' following the grant award.

A spokesperson for Helston Town Council said: “We are thrilled to announce the recipients of this year's Environmental Grants Programme.  ⁠

⁠Each organisation has proposed an outstanding initiative to address the climate emergency.

"Applications were accepted from non-profit organisations and societies, including those based outside the parish, as long as the grant benefits Helston residents.”