COMMUNITY groups are set to benefit from grants of up to £5,000 which Dudley Council is making available through its public forums.

Ten community forums will take place between today (March 14) and 23, where groups across the borough will be able to bid for funding to finance community projects, as well as giving a chance to raise community issues with ward councillors and discuss ideas.

Councillor Pete Lowe, leader of the council, said: “The community forums are a vital link between the council and people in our communities.

“The Love Your Community Funding is available to community groups to finance worthy projects across the borough – people just need to come along and speak to us about them.

“I would urge people to come along to discuss issues they are concerned about or ideas they want our help with.”

The forums, which all begin at 6.30pm, are part of the council’s aim to work closer with communities across the borough, giving people a vital say in how council services are run and what improvements are needed in neighbourhoods across the borough.

The latest round of forums start with Coseley East and Sedgley Community Forum, on March 14, at Christ Church C of E Primary School, Church Road. On the same night Gornal, Upper Gornal and Woodsetton Community Forum, takes place at Bramford Primary School, Chad Road.

Halesowen North and Halesowen South Community Forum, runs on March 15, at Olive Hill Primary School, Springfield Road. Netherton, Woodside and St. Andrews and Quarry Bank and Dudley Wood Community Forum, takes place on the same night at Quarry Bank Community Centre, Sheffield Street.

Brierley Hill, Brockmoor and Pensnett Community Forum, will be welcoming visitors to The Oakfield Centre, Brettell Lane, Brierley Hill, on March 16. On the same night Castle and Priory, St James's and St Thomas's Community Forum, will take place at St Barnabas Church, Middlepark Road. Also on March 16, Norton, Pedmore and Stourbridge East, Wollaston and Stourbridge Town Community Forum will be at Gig Mill Primary School, The Broadway.

Kingswinford North and Wall Heath, Kingswinford South and Wordsley Community Forum takes place on March 22 at Kingswinford Royal British Legion Club, Summerhill, Kingswinford.

Finally, Amblecote, Cradley and Wollescote, Lye and Stourbridge North Community Forum, will be on March 23 at Thorns Primary School, Thorns Road, Quarry Bank. Belle Vale, Hayley Green and Cradley South Community Forum takes place on the same night at Earls High School, Furnace Lane.