CHESHIRE West and Chester Council’s Community Response Fund has been boosted by a £250,000 donation from the Westminster Foundation.

This means that a total of £500,000 is now available to support local community initiatives.

The Community Response Fund offers community initiatives emergency funding to respond to issues as a result of coronavirus.

More than 1,500 residents have already pledged their support for the fund, as west Cheshire shows true community spirit to support some of the most vulnerable residents in the borough.

Cllr Carol Gahan, cabinet member for finance, said: “We’d like to thank the Westminster Foundation for its donation towards our Community Response Fund.

“Both new and established community initiatives across west Cheshire are going to play a key role supporting vulnerable people during this unprecedented period.

“An extra £250,000 in funding from the Westminster Foundation will make a significant difference to these community initiatives.”

Kate Brown, director at the Westminster Foundation, added: “At a time like this, it’s vital we support and care for one another in our local communities.

“Led by The Duke of Westminster, we are doing all we can to help a range of organisations and charities maintain their vital services, especially those supporting vulnerable children and families, or those who are isolated and may be struggling to access food and maintain positive mental health at this very difficult time.”

The Community Response Fund is available to any voluntary organisation, community group, small charity or other not-for-profit-organisation in west Cheshire

It could support with things such as training volunteers, administration, marketing, fuel, supplies and other costs.

To access and return an application form, community initiatives will need to email chesterlocality@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk.