MIDDLEWICH residents are being invited to put forward ideas for more than £5,000 of community funding, aimed at tackling health issues in their areas.

The money, part of a £400,000 Cheshire East Council public health pot, is targeting projects that can have positive impacts on issues as obesity, physical fitness and mental wellbeing.

Projects can include a single individual with an exciting idea to get people active, or a voluntary organisation experienced in providing support and advice.

Cheshire East Council hopes that residents can have a say on how public funds are spent in their communities, both by submitting proposals and then voting on them.

Final decisions will be made at public events supported by the council’s communities service, where everyone in attendance will have a chance to vote for their chosen project.

The chosen projects will be allocated a share of £5,240, with a maximum of £1,500 per project.

The deadline for applications is January 4, with forms available to download from cheshireeast.gov.uk/council_and_democracy/community/you-decide.aspx. Applicants will be asked to explain their project and how much funding it would require.

Cllr Paul Bates, Cheshire East Council cabinet member for communities and health, said: “We are having great success with community-funded projects across the borough and I am certain it will be the same in this area.

“All the projects will be assessed for their sustainability and for the direct public health benefits they provide. A shortlist will then be drawn up for a public vote that will determine which projects will be funded.”

For further information, please contact Dawn Clark on 01270 686663 or by email at: dawn.clark@cheshireeast.gov.uk