Three Wolverhampton community groups have each been awarded a share of £13,000.

Type=image;ImageID=6004;ImageClass=left;ImageTitle=Cllr John Reynolds with representatives of community groups;TitleClass=strong;

The organisations, who are all based in Whitmore Reans, have been given the money by the city council as a reward after the area improved its recycling performance.

Last year, the council in partnership with its waste and recycling contractor Amey, devised the 66 Day challenge which focused on 16 streets in the Whitmore Reans area.

These were streets where there was a particular problem with people putting non recyclable items in their black bins on a regular basis.

Residents were encouraged to change their habits and start putting the right items in their recycling - and the more people did it successfully, the more money would be given to local groups.

The 66 Day Challenge and the grants to community groups was funded by the Government's Weekly Collection Support Grant.

Over the 66 days, the amount of contaminated bins reduced by 82%.

The community groups that have been awarded the money had to submit an application saying what they would spend it on.

Cry Peace - is a community football project that was awarded £7,250 that will be used to unite the community with a football tournament.

Aspiring Futures - is a group that supports women and has been given £4,390 to run a 3 month programme to help local women into work.

Gloucester Street Community Centre Soup Kitchen was given £1,620 to support its running costs.

Councillor John Reynolds, cabinet member for city services, said: "The people of Whitmore Reans responded magnificently to the 66 Day Challenge and their efforts ensured that this money was donated to groups to benefit their local area.

"We are delighted to be able to support these organisations that do such valuable work in this part of the city."

  • released: Friday 16 January, 2015