THOUSANDS of pounds in grants for East Cambridgeshire organisations were expected to be given the go-ahead by councillors today (Thursday). Members of the district council s community services committee had been asked to back projects across the district.

THOUSANDS of pounds in grants for East Cambridgeshire organisations were expected to be given the go-ahead by councillors today (Thursday).

Members of the district council's community services committee had been asked to back projects across the district.

An ambitious £90,000-plus project to resurface tennis courts and install rugby pitch floodlighting could receive a helping hand.

The scheme has been outlined by the Ely Outdoor Sports Association which runs facilities at the city's Downham Road.

It has already raised more than £50,000 from other sources, including the Rugby Football Union which has handed over £25,000.

Now it has asked East Cambridgeshire District Council for a £20,000 grant.

Committee members were also expected to give the go-ahead for a £5,300 grant for St Andrew's Parochial Church Council in Witchford towards the renovation of the church hall.

The project, costing more than £18,000, will provide a new kitchen and heating among other things.

More than half the cost of the project has been raised through a grant and the church council expects the updated facilities will increase the number of people using the church.

A further £10,000 of grants for East Cambridgeshire organisations, agreed by the Cambridgeshire Community Foundation Grant Panel, were expected to be given the final approval by committee members.

More than £1,000 has been agreed for the Breaking Through the Barriers scheme which will provide a 10-week training course for residents of High Barns, Ely to teach them how to take more control in the running of their community centre.

Ely-based Hereward Housing has match funded the grant.

The Care Network is expected to receive £3,000 towards is Practical Help at Home Scheme which undertakes jobs for elderly people.

Soham Drop-In for adults with learning disabilities at Soham Village College is expected to receive £1,394 to help with running costs.

Other grants were expected to be awarded to Voluntary and Community Action East Cambs and the Social Enterprise People which help voluntary groups applying for funding.