GRANT Aid applications are being invited by Wigan council's social services department.

Applications for aid must be from voluntary and community groups whose work complements that of social services.

This year's allocation of money will be made available especially for new and innovative projects.

Last year more than £150,000 was paid out in grants to local groups on a similar basis.

Chair of the voluntary bodies sub-committee and vice chair of social services, Cllr Maggie Coghlin, said:

"Grant aid to highly dedicated voluntary groups is one of the most effective ways in which social services departments can ensure that a wide range of much needed but non-statutory services can be provided for the most vulnerable people in the borough.

"The social services department values greatly the contribution of the community and voluntary sector in the provision of services for residents of the borough, and we look forward to another successful year of working in partnership."

The closing date for completed applications is April 25.

If you require a grant application form, or have any enquiries about the scheme, contact the voluntary sector liaison unit, social services department, Civic Centre, Millgate, Wigan WN1 1AZ, telephone 01942 827334 or 827172.

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