TIME is running out to help Hartlepool visitor attraction Summerhill Country Park and Visitor Centre bag a cash boost from the Tesco’s Bags of Help initiative.
Three local community groups in every Tesco region have been chosen to receive a cash grant of up to £4,000, £2,000 or £1,000, and Summerhill is on the shortlist.
The Tesco and Groundwork community funding scheme invites shoppers to head along to Tesco stores, where they can vote for who they think should take away the top grant using a token given to them at check-out each time they shop until the end of April.
Adam Reah, Hartlepool Borough Council’s Outdoor Activities Co-ordinator, said: “The support we’ve received so far has been incredible, and we hope to encourage as many shoppers as possible to cast their vote and support Summerhill before the end of April.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for Summerhill Country Park to receive a cash boost, which will fund important community projects that will benefit both our visitors and the wider town.
“To secure the top grant of £4,000 would be incredible, and would allow us to improve the pond area at the western edge of the site with the installation of new decking, a picnic table and a sculpture for all our visitors to enjoy.”
Summerhill Country Park and Visitors Centre recently topped a Hartlepool Mail online poll of readers’ favourite places to visit in the town.
Alec Brown, Head of Community at Tesco, said: “We are absolutely delighted to open the voting. There are some fantastic projects on the shortlists and we can’t wait to see these come to life in hundreds of communities.”
Groundwork’s National Chief Executive, Graham Duxbury, said: “We’ve been thrilled to see the diversity of projects that have applied for funding, ranging from outdoor classrooms, sports facilities, community gardens, play areas and everything in between.
“We’re looking forward to learning the results of the customer vote and then supporting each group to bring their project to life.”
To find out more about Summerhill Country Park and Visitor Centre visit www.hartlepool.gov.uk/summerhill.
Funding is available to community groups and charities looking to fund local projects that bring benefits to communities. Anyone can nominate a project and organisations can apply online. To find out more visit www.tesco.com/bagsofhelp.