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Community projects along the new HS2 railway route will receive more than 拢245,000 as part of a 拢45 million pledge by the government to provide a legacy of improvements for generations to come, HS2 Minister Nusrat Ghani announced today (25 January 2018).

A Northamptonshire pre-school, a 900 year-old Warwickshire church and an environmental awareness charity in London are amongst the first recipients of the Community and Environment Fund (CEF) and Business and Local Economy Fund (BLEF) - a 拢40 million fund to support local economies and communities affected by the Phase One construction of HS2 between London and Birmingham.

Today HS2 Minister Nusrat Ghani visited Crewe station to announce an extension of the scheme 鈥� with a further 拢5 million being made available to help communities along HS2 Phase 2a route from the West Midlands to Crewe.

HS2 Minister Nusrat Ghani said:

HS2 will be the backbone of our national rail network 鈥� supporting growth and regeneration and helping us build a Britain fit for the future. Whilst we know there will be disruption as we deliver one of Europe鈥檚 biggest infrastructure projects, we are absolutely committed to minimising the effects of building the new railway.

That is why I am delighted to see this significant funding helping to unlock the potential of communities and businesses along the route, ensuring the legacy of HS2 extends beyond the railway. These diverse and empowering projects will help regenerate local areas and bring people closer together, and I look forward to seeing more grants being funded in the future.

These funding allocations highlight the government鈥檚 determination to ensure HS2 is more than just a railway, but a catalyst for economic growth, driving regeneration as well as improving the transport landscape around the rail line.

The cash will be spent on public projects such as the refurbishment of community centres, nature conservation and measures to support local economies and employment.

Cathy Elliott, independent chair of CEF and BLEF said:

We have had a fantastic response so far and are proud to be supporting a variety of projects which will bring huge benefits to their communities for many years to come.

More funding is available for eligible applicants in the HS2 Phase One area and throughout the construction of Phase One. We look forward to announcing more funded local projects for Phase One and the launch date for Phase 2a applications.

Mark Thurston, HS2 Ltd chief executive, said:

As we deliver HS2, we have the opportunity to leave a positive legacy for the communities along the route of the railway. Our Community and Environment Fund, and its twin Business Fund, are starting to support important local initiatives, including building renovations and environmental projects. We鈥檙e encouraging local people to come forward with other opportunities, such as community-led nature projects which could contribute to the 鈥榞reen corridor鈥� we鈥檙e creating alongside the railway.

This grassroots activity is in addition to the national benefits of HS2, which will rebalance the economy by connecting 8 out of our 10 biggest cities, increase rail capacity on the current system and reduce journey times, while also creating thousands of jobs across the UK.

The first organisations to secure CEF local grants are:

• Castlehaven Community Association in Camden, London, receiving 拢73,591 to support 鈥楪reengage鈥�, a local community initiative to get more residents engaged in environmental issues
• Helmdon Acorns pre-school in Northamptonshire, receiving 拢5,442 to improve the safety and accessibility of the children鈥檚 play area
• Thorpe Mandeville Village Hall Trust receiving 拢4,600 to resolve damp issues at the village hall
• Steeple Claydon Methodist Church in Buckinghamshire, receiving 拢12,000 to make a number of improvements to the church premises
• West Euston Partnership in London, receiving 拢74,804 to support 鈥楬ealthtrain鈥�, a community-led local health initiative
• Wormleighton Parochial Church Council in Warwickshire, receiving 拢74,982 to install toilets and catering facilities in St Peters Church