SOME nine Lydney organisations are in within a chance of scooping almost £40,000 in grants.

County Councillor Alan Preest has had the tough job of deciding who should get a slice of the Active Together grants, a new scheme from Gloucestershire County Council which encourages more sport and physical activity across the county. The scheme is open to community groups from sports clubs and scout groups to parish and town councils and schools.

The funding is available in each of the 53 county council electoral divisions in Gloucestershire.

Applicants had to say what the grant would be spent on and why they deserved it.

Cllr Preest has approved provisional awards to the following: Lydney Cricket Club, Lydney Rugby Club and Lydney AFC each £8,500, Lydney Tennis Club £3,500, Bathurst Swimming Pool and Lydney Golf Club each £3,000, Bathurst Park Recreation Trust £2,000, Ned's Top Action Group to promote and encourage walking £1,500 and The Welcome Project (Naas Lane Centre) £1,000.

Cllr Preest (UKIP, Lydney) said: "I believe £39,500 will be appreciated and, from the quality of/reasoning behind the applications, put to good use within our community.

"We must take note of the fact that the ward of Lydney East is considered to be one of the most deprived areas in Gloucestershire and that thinking was paramount in my decision, the three main beneficiaries are contained within that ward, have a proven record with junior/youth promotion hence the amount of their awards.

"The decision, as yet, has not been 100 per cent finalised and requires officer ratification, but I am happy and confident in being able to justify the awards – £500 is left in the pot and I am open to suggestions."