PROPERTY developers are boosting six community projects in North Yorkshire with funding of almost £250,000.

Six projects in the Hambleton district are benefiting from £222,734 given by developers building in the area.

The schemes being supported range from a sensory garden in Thirsk to work at the Hambleton Leisure Centre, Northallerton.

Hambleton District Council is drawing on funds given by developers to pay for the schemes.

Developers of projects of ten houses or above give funds to the planning authority - called Section 106 money - to pay for leisure schemes locally.

To channel the £222,734 given to Hambleton into the right areas the council is to work with Community Plan Area Groups.

They have agreed to give £40,000 to a scheme to improve the quality of existing open spaces in Northallerton.

Improvements to Hambleton Leisure Centre's swimming pool, in Northallerton, gets £71,529 and the Northallerton Town Square enhancement scheme gets £50,000.

Thirsk8 Park skate park is given £29,205, Thirsk Sensory Garden gets £20,000 and East Thirsk Play Area is boosted by £12,000.

Councillor Arthur Barker, council leader, said: "Whilst local communities may have aspirations for the use of this funding the council ultimately determines its use.

"However in order to aid this, work is now being done with Hambleton's five area groups to establish a prioritised list of recreational projects which may be eligible for these funds.

"This way we can ensure the money is going to the right schemes."

Future projects will be considered on a rolling six month basis to see if they match the criteria for Section 106 money.

Approved projects will also be monitored to ensure that the funding is being spent as detailed in their project outline.

Lisa Wilson, the council's lifestyles manager, said: "This way of determining allocations is a great opportunity for community projects to find the extra cash needed to make their project a reality.

"For example East Thirsk Play Area's money allows them to meet the criteria needed to take up a £43,000 Big Lottery Fund grant.

"Together with £5,000 of their own cash this scheme can now happen."

For more information contact Lisa Wilson on 01609-767149 or lisa.wilson@hambleton.gov.uk