NON-PROFIT environmental groups throughout Cheshire are being encouraged to get their applications in for up to £500 worth of funding.

Freedom Fibre, a fibre broadband provider, will be accepting applications for their Freedom Fund for green community projects until Friday, July 21 at 5pm. The fund is set to invest thousands of pounds in environmental projects in areas where it is rolling out its lightning-fast, full-fibre network.

Community non-profit groups active within Freedom Fibre’s build footprint can apply for grants of between £250 and £500 to help deliver their environmental projects.

Cheshire West locations such as Ellesmere Port, Weaverham and Northwich, among others are within these areas.

In 2022, Freedom Fibre provided funds for a range of projects such as community orchards and gardens, solar panels and habitat improvement projects. This year, the Freedom Fund will provide thousands more for community non-profit groups located in:

  • Ellesmere Port, Cheshire
  • Comberbach, Cheshire
  • Northwich, Cheshire
  • Weaverham, Cheshire
  • Hartford, Cheshire
  • Culceth, Cheshire
  • Stockton Heath, Cheshire
  • Atherton, Wigan
  • Eccles, Salford
  • Irlam, Salford
  • Leigh, Wigan
  • Newton-le-Willows, St Helens
  • Urmston, Trafford
  • Walkden, Salford
  • Whitchurch, Shropshire

Neil McArthur, Chief Executive Officer at Freedom Fibre, said: "Last year, we became England’s first alt-net to establish a community fund that supports the environmental projects in the communities where we are rolling out our network. We’re building on last year’s successes by extending our fund to reach an even broader range of community groups, and I can’t wait to see what applications we receive this time round."

Community non-profit groups interested in applying to the Freedom Fund can find out more and apply at www.freedomfibre.com/fund. Applications of grants between £250 and £500 can be made online and must be made before 5pm on Friday 21 July 2023.

Residents interested in connecting to Freedom Fibre's full-fibre broadband network can register their interest at www.freedomfibre.com and the team will let you know if the network is available now or coming soon to your location.