NEIGHBOURHOOD Forums across Wirral have received a boost following Wirral Council’s decision to release £330,000 to fund community projects.

The funds will now go to support community and voluntary group projects across 11 Neighbourhood Forums across the borough.

Councillor Phil Davies, leader of Wirral Council, said: “Due to the Coalition Government’s budget cuts, we had to take the extremely difficult decision to freeze the funding to Neighbourhood Funding.

“However, in spite of the financial challenges we face, we have been able to release this money to support local communities.

“We recognise the Neighbourhood Forums play a fundamental role in supporting local areas. I am very pleased that the council can assist them in their important work in keeping local communities informed on local issues and getting people involved in the local decision-making process.”

Councillor Davies added: “While the money released – which equals £30,000 for each forum – will be allocated to those bids already received by the council, particular emphasis has been placed on ensuring the grant is used to assist those most vulnerable and in need.”

Wirral people are still being urged to have their say on the options for budget savings recently presented by chief executive Graham Burgess.

The "What Really Matter"s consultation on how the council should achieve the £100m savings it needs to over the next three years has received more than 3,000 responses so far.

To complete the questionnaire online, visit the council’s website at: www.wirral.gov.uk/whatreallymatters. Alternatively, pick one up from One Stop Shops, libraries and other council offices.

For more information on this funding, telephone 0151 691 8650.