MORE organisations than ever are applying for grants in Westbury, meaning councillors are having to rethink their spending.

The Westbury Area Board has set a grant budget of £32,800 this financial year to distribute to community groups which apply for funding.

But at the first meeting they faced seven applicants, bidding for £21,942 in total.

Liam Cripps, community engagement manager for Westbury, said: “Community groups can still apply for up to £5,000 like usual, however we are going to be scrutinising the applications more carefully against the joint the strategic assessment, which is set by the people of Westbury to determine what really is a good community cause.

“We are also asking applicants to hold free fairs or festivals as part of our agreement, which will be beneficial to the community.

“It is great that our community grants have become so popular as people have clearly heard what a positive difference we can make, however we do unfortunately need to bear in mind the budget we have.

“If we had granted the full amount to every applicant in our first meeting we would have had next to no budget left.”

At the most recent meeting, Leigh Park Community Centre asked for £979 towards a bouncy castle to use during open days, and was given £494.50, as the bouncy castle will be free for the public to use.

Westbury Rugby Club asked for£5,000 towards refurbishing their clubhouse and was given £1,000 on the condition that they hold a free rugby festival, including taster sessions, to get more people into the sport.

Larkrise Farm asked for £1,875 for a sensory classroom and were granted £937.50 of their request.