SCHOOLS, community groups and voluntary organisations are being warned that a source of funding for environmental projects could be cut unless more people take advantage of it.

The Green Community Chest offers up to £1,000 cash to groups in Darwen and the Shadsworth, Bank Top and Roman Road areas of Blackburn to make environmental improvements.

But only half of the expected number of applications have been made to the fund this year, putting the available grant for the next two years at risk. Grants have already been paid out to support Ewood and Fernhurst Community Association's garden, school bulb-growing competitions, the creation of a sensory garden at Darwen Community Centre and the purchase of tools for the Highercroft toolbank.

For more information and an application form contact Gwen Kinloch, Regeneration Department, Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, Jubilee Street, Blackburn, BB1 1EP, or telephone 01254 587385.

St Bartholomew's CE Primary School pupils (pictured) planted bulbs.

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