TEN community organisations in Old Trafford and Stretford received funding for projects to improve their local area at a public voting event on Saturday, July 12.

The event was hosted by the Old Trafford and Stretford Locality Partnership and Thrive Trafford, as part of the Voluntary Sector Grants scheme 2014.

Launched in May, the Old Trafford and Stretford Locality Partnership asked for local people to develop innovative projects relating to: child obesity and healthy eating, reducing barriers to employment, increasing and developing skills, and improving the place where you live. From all those that applied, 14 were then shortlisted to go through to the public voting stage.

Over 150 local residents attended the event to find out more about the shortlisted projects before casting their votes for the ones they wanted to receive funding.

Representatives from the Old Trafford and Stretford Locality Partnership announced the 10 successful projects: Chainlink, Tree Things Trafford, Seed Studios, Seymour Poets, Gorse Hill Community Action Group, Touchdown Dance, Old Trafford Community Fitness and Amateur Boxing Club, Simply Cycling, Blanc and Gorse Hill Lifestyles Project. More information about the groups and the projects is available on the Thrive Trafford website www.thrivetrafford.org.uk.

Cllr Mike Cordingley, chairman of the partnership said, ‘It was great that so many local residents turned out to show their support and have their say on local decisions.

"The 10 projects which were selected by local people will make a real difference in the area. On behalf of the Old Trafford and Stretford Locality Partnership I’d like to say thank you to everyone involved.’