We worked with community groups and partners to prepare bids for the funding, which is designed to help revitalise cities, town centres and neighbourhoods across Scotland impacted by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

“Everyone has been affected by the covid pandemic so I am pleased to see these projects receiving support to help local communities in North Lanarkshire recover and move forward,” said Councillor Allan Graham, Convener of the Enterprise and Growth Committee.

“Each project will bring benefits to the local area, supporting residents of all ages, improving the environment and opening up new opportunities for activity and well-being.”

The successful projects are:

Cloudberry Communities received £10,000 for community-led greenspace improvements to increase biodiversity and sequester carbon emissions in Chryston, Muirhead and Moodiesburn. Activities will include wildflower meadow creation and maintenance, tree planting, litter picks and path improvements.

Police Scotland will use £10,000 to purchase two quad bikes to help promote community safety and support local residents and visitors to make the most of Croy Hill and the Antonine Wall route, north of Kilsyth. The location has been subject to community concern about the illegal use of off-road bikes which damages the terrain, risks public safety and discourages many from using this outstanding place. Officers patrolling on bikes will provide a visual deterrent.

We received £15,000 for its Saturday Sportscene project at Airdrie Leisure Centre which offers a fun and safe environment for young people to socialise with friends, play a variety of sports - free of charge. An average of 110 young people attend each week.

In Motherwell town centre, a grant of £15,000 will be used by the council to establish North Lanarkshire’s first Active Travel Hub, ensuring the town and its residents can access active travel opportunities and connections to greenspace, further education, public transport and workplaces. The Hub will accommodate e-bike charging facilities, cycle hire and a safe place for cyclists and pedestrians to meet. The project will be operated by a social enterprise.

A grant of £17,500 will allow Living Streets to work with three Out & About groups in Airdrie and nearby villages and Cumbernauld to address barriers to walking. The project will give older people and those with limited mobility, confidence to go out on foot in their neighbourhoods - visiting and supporting local shops and services, combatting loneliness and helping them stay active and well.

We are working with a forum of local cycle clubs to develop a velo park within the new Gateway to Strathclyde Country Park at Bellshill. A grant of £17,500 will help provide lighting to ensure the velo park can be used all year round, during both the day and evening, increasing access and supporting community safety.