THE Countryside Agency has sacks full of money and it's itching to give it away to people in Watford.

But thousands of pounds designed to give local communities a little "green" breathing space is still waiting for communities to get in touch.

Town and village communities can receive up to £60,000 to create their own Doorstep Green a communal green area where neighbours can meet, watch the children play or just relax.

But many are missing out particularly those in nine "cold spots" highlighted by the Countryside Agency. As well as watford, they include Peterborough, Bedford, Luton, Harlow, Colchester, Ipswich, Lowestoft, Great Yarmouth.

Countryside Agency Doorstep Greens adviser Allison Conder explained: "This money is just waiting to help communities particularly people in areas of disadvantage to create their own bit of green space."

The Countryside Agency wants to help create 25 Doorstep Greens in the East of England by December 2006. Funded by the National Opportunities Fund, £12 million has been earmarked for the scheme nationally.

As long as projects meet certain criteria and have strong local support, groups can apply for start-up grants averaging £3,500 to develop their idea. They can then apply for second stage grants for more than £10,000 to create their doorstep green. Grants will vary but the average is around £57,000.

Doorstep Green information packs are available by calling our call centre on 0845 0000121.

June 18, 2002 13:30