More than £18,000 has been given to groups in Halton for transformative green projects ranging from new wildlife habitats to community gardens.

The cash from the government’s shared prosperity fund (UKSPF) is aimed at enhancing green spaces, promoting sustainability and supporting community engagement.

The funding is managed by Halton Council and has been awarded to 10 community groups across the borough such as St John and St Paul's Transform Widnes and Clifton Road Allotment Association.

Following installation of a new accessible path and raised beds to create a community hub for gardening and socialising, a spokesperson for Clifton Road Allotment Association, said: "We now have an accessible path, making the garden welcoming for everyone. This grant has been vital in creating a space where people can come together to share skills and knowledge."

A St Paul’s spokesperson said their grant had enabled them to move their project further forward for the benefit of the local community.

He said: “We now have a number of raised beds that already have veg planted in them. These will be used in our Long Loaf community café and given out to local people and the trees and bushes create a new haven for wildlife and birds. This project has really brought the community together and generated so much interest; we are thrilled with how it went and are so grateful for the grant."

Other projects funded through the Green Grants include:

Four Estates hosted a popular wildflower seed planting event, praised for bringing together young people for litter picking and environmental action.

Wonky Garden developed a greenhouse and workshop space, allowing community activities to continue all year.

Purchasing essential tools helped volunteers at Halton Village Millennium Green maintain the much-loved community green space.

Friends of Hale Village and Grangeway Community Forum also launched projects.

Wesley Rourke, Halton's executive director for environment and regeneration, said: "These projects exemplify the power of local action in creating a greener, more sustainable future. They have strengthened community bonds, improved access to nature, and delivered real environmental benefits."

Further initiatives planned for 2024 and 2025, include the development of Riddings Lane in Runcorn, the installation of solar panels on Hazlehurst Studios and an energy efficiency masterclass to support community groups and businesses to make their buildings warmer and more cost effective.