A colourful, interactive fence at Elton Primary School is one of the first projects to receive a boost from the Protos Community Benefit fund. The fence provides privacy for the school and also acts as an interactive play resource for pupils with number squares, fine motor skill tracks, alphabet, magnetic squares, chalkboard and mirrors.

Alongside funding for Elton, other projects to receive a boost include a refurbisehd roof for Ince Village Hall, new white goods for the refurbished kitchen at Elton Church Hall kitchen, and tree thinning on Station Road in Ince village. The fund will see £30,000 being made available for local projects in connection with Peel Environmental’s landmark Protos development.

The Community Forum is currently calling to local groups for funding bids. A wide range of causes will be considered as part of the scheme, including transport; community buildings; sport; and heritage initiatives among others.

Myles Kitcher, of Peel Environmental, said:

“Protos has the potential to reinvigorate the local economy and become a destination for energy and industry. This is a great start to the fund and we are delighted that the community are starting to reap the benefits of the project.”

The fund launched in January 2016 and, for the first two years, will only be open to causes in Ince and Elton parishes. It is currently administered by a panel of local representatives, who are also members of the Protos Community Forum.

Groups such as the elderly and young people could also benefit from funding for projects which focus on improving access to services and facilities. In addition, buildings being used and run by the community could also receive support from the fund.

The chairman of the Community Benefit Fund Panel, Cllr. Andy Eardley said:

“We are delighted with these first investments that will bring real benefits to the local community. We have a number of proposals waiting to be considered, but we are still keen to hear proposals from other organisations and individuals.”    

Elton Primary School were delighted with their interactive screen, head teacher, Victoria Carr said, “We love to work in partnerships with others in the community for the benefit of the community, not just this year, for many years to come. The money invested by the Protos Community Benefit Fund will support the children of all three local villages as they begin their education journey with us and this maximises the impact of the Protos investment into the locality.”

For further information on the community benefit fund, please visit the Benefit Fund section of the Community page or contact Keith Butterick: k.butterick@hud.ac.uk