SOUTH Lakeland District Council is set to approve grants totalling almost £80,000.

The money, funded from the government's New Homes Bonus, will be used for important projects identified by local organisations across the district.

Projects chosen for support include improving footpaths, renovating buildings, and enhancing play areas.

Coun Jonathan Brook, SLDC portfolio holder for strategic growth, said: “This is a great opportunity to support local communities across South Lakeland in a way which has a direct impact on people’s lives.”

Coun Graham Vincent, SLDC portfolio holder for health and wellbeing, added: “The projects have been earmarked by the residents themselves and will help improve the health and wellbeing of the entire community.”

Matthew Severn, of Kendal Town Council, welcomed the news for Hallgarth.

“Kids and parents have been crying out for this for a long time and it’s a top issue for everyone who lives around there. It’s fantastic that the hard work of everyone involved has paid off.”

The full list is:

The Bryce Institute, Burneside: £3,500 to repair the Bryce Institute Tower

Burton in Kendal Parish Council: £5,850 to help plan a new footway between Burton and Clawthorpe

Casterton Parish Council: £11,526 to transform a bridleway between Casterton and Kirkby Lonsdale

Coniston Parish Council: £1,500 to repair kerbs to improve access for mobility vehicles

Hallgarth Community Centre: £26,600 to help create a play area

Holme Village Hall: £10,000 to redevelop the village hall

Skelsmergh and Scalthwaiterigg Parish Council: £21,000 to extend the A6 footpath/cycleway.

Under the New Homes Bonus, the government matches additional Council Tax raised on new properties and those which have been brought back into use, with an additional £350 for each affordable home.

Local councils have the freedom to spend the Nonus in line with local community wishes. SLDC has agreed to allocate 40 per cent of the funds to Locally Important Projects and 60 per cent to affordable housing and neighbourhood planning.

Community groups can bid for funding from SLDC for Locally Important Projects and the next opportunity to do so is expected to open next January. Projects must involve infrastructure improvements which support a clearly identified local community priority.