TWO projects in East Lancashire have been shortlisted for up to £25,000 of funding for a ‘deserving’ community initiative and now face a public vote.

Growing Green Together in Roe Lee, Blackburn and Creation of a Pond in Rossendale have both been identified by the Better Together Campaign as initiatives that ‘can make a real difference to the local area and the lives of residents’.

The shortlist of nine is now open to an online vote, offering the public the opportunity to get behind their local project and decide the winner.

Growing Green Together is a resident-led programme that aims to convert half an acre of derelict land into a community allotment.

It works with local children and young people who will help with the design, project planning and on-going maintenance of the plot.

Creation of a Pond in Rossendale is a project to complete the focal point of a regenerated green space, The Lumb Millennium Green.

The land was reclaimed in 2000 and introduced a football pitch and picnic area to the community. 

The space was always supposed to incorporate a pond as its main focal point but funding ran out before completion.

Chris McElligott, one of the judges, said: “We have been overwhelmed with both the volume and standard of entries, and would like to thank everyone who sent us their ideas.

“As we open the campaign to the public vote, we hope to see communities really get behind the initiative and support the entry they feel most deserving.”

To vote, visit www.togetherinsurance.co.uk/better before Friday.