Community groups in Shropshire now have access to further funding from Shropshire Council to tackle COVID-19.

The small grants programme, which is providing £75,000 for community groups, including community centres and village halls, is open for its second round of applications, until Friday, May 22.

The first round saw 85 applications, with approximately 86 per cent approved for funding.

Wave two is open for groups who are supporting people through the pandemic or who have lost income because of the crisis.

The funding will enable more community-delivered support to be in put place and for the length of time it will be needed.

Shropshire Council added that it is hugely grateful to everyone who is coming forward wanting to use their time, energy and skills to support others, and also to our tremendous voluntary organisations that we rely on to continue delivering services in the most challenging of circumstances.

Dean Carroll, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for adult social care, public health and climate change, said: “In such unprecedented times I am encouraged by the incredible response from our communities to support those most in need.

“We are very grateful to our grassroot groups, who are supporting people where they live.

“We want to help our communities and enable them to provide help and support to people who are likely to be most seriously affected by social isolation and illness caused by the pandemic.

“We will work to make sure the funds reach the communities that need them the most.

“We are in continually checking with our voluntary and community organisations to understand need and take advice on how funds should be spent, and we are responding to the changing needs of our population.”

Details can be found at shropshire.gov.uk/coronavirus/resources-and-grant-funding-opportunities-for-local-communities/covid-19-small-grants-programme