COMMUNITIES across the area are set to receive thousands of pounds following the launch of a new initiative.

Shops and supermarkets across England began charging five pence for a plastic carrier bag after new legislation came into force in October last year.

Government figures estimate that the scheme could raise £730m over the next ten years for good causes across the UK.

Each business can choose its own cause to support and Tesco has decided to invest the money into the local community.

Maxine Lawford, community champion for Tesco in Millom, said: “There are so many fantastic community groups in this area and so many people who can benefit from this money - and the money is there to be used. 

“It’s a fantastic project.”

There will be two rounds of funding each year that hands over £30,000 to local communities who apply to the grant.

This time, the money will be split between three but the amount given to each group is determined by the public.

Projects include a revamp of Silecroft Play Area, making improvements to The Gill walkways in Ulverston and the regeneration of The Railway Bridge Way, also in Ulverston. 

Boxes have been put up in Tesco stores in Millom, Barrow and Ulverston and customers will be given a token and asked to vote for what project they would like to see win the highest amount of £12,000.

The runner up will receive £10,000 and the project in last place will get £8,000.

Mrs Lawford continued: “Tesco wants to give back to the community.

“We have to charge five pence per bag so we want our customers and community groups to apply for the funding and vote for who they want to give the money to because it’s their money.”

The next round of applications will open in May when more community organisations will get the chance to receive the money.

Mrs Lawford is eager to encourage as many people as possible to apply for the scheme.

She said: “We want as many community groups as possible to apply and benefit from this scheme because the money is there and it’s there for them.”

Voting closes in all stores tomorrow.