COMMUNITY groups across the Bromsgrove district are celebrating their share in a £63,000 windfall - thanks to a people power petition that called for cash raised through house-building schemes to benefit local projects.

Bromsgrove District Council's cabinet has approved recommendations for 13 community projects to get some of the government funds given to local authorities as a bonus for home-building developments in their areas.

It follows a petition from Hagley Residents Action Group (HRAG), signed by 1,400 people last year, which called for money from the New Homes Bonus (NHB) to be allocated to communities directly affected by housing development.

The plea followed the approval of controversial large-scale development around Hagley.

And the biggest winner is Hagley Lawn Tennis Club, which has netted £15,000 towards improvements to its facilities in the grounds of the village's Roman Catholic High School, including installing toilets there.

Club coach Grant Chapman said: "The grant is great news."

And club chairman Doug Slessor said: "We are expecting a number of the people who will be moving into the new housing developments in Hagley to be interested in keeping up their fitness and encourage them to join the tennis club."

Applications for a share of a total of £87,000 in bonus money were invited and the council's NHB Community Grants Panel then recommended which should be allowed.

A total of 19 applications were considered and 13 have now been approved, giving out a total of £63,160, with the remaining £23,840 rolling over to next year's council budget with a view to a further round of community grants.

Councillor Geoff Denaro, cabinet member for finance, said: "All of the projects were presented as pressures that come on to communities when new homes are built - and this is a way of helping them to relieve some of those pressures."

Alvechurch Communities Together has been granted £12,500 towards alterations to Alvechurch Sports and Social Club for a new venue for youth activities.

Hagley Cricket Club gets £10,000 to enhance its premises, next to Hagley Hall.

Hollyoaks Medical Centre in Wythall was awarded £5,000 towards the refurbishment of two rooms to improve patient access.

Other awards made are to:

Cofton Hackett Parish Council - £2,000 for the installation of two benches for residents out walking and £1,100 for two planters.

Cofton Village Hall - £2,000 to provide chairs.

Bromsgrove Cricket, Hockey and Tennis Club - £1,500 for work to allow players aged nine to 14 to play additional sessions.

Catshill and North Marlbrook Parish Council - £3,500 for a new bus shelter next to the MuiMui (correct) takeaway on the A38.

The 6th Bromsgrove Scout Group at Catshill - £3,000 for improvements to the scout hut.

Catshill Village Meadow Multi Use Facility - £2,560 for equipment.

Belbroughton Recreation Centre - £2,500 towards upgrading the toilet block and kitchen facilities for junior football, keep fit classes and events such as the village's annual Scarecrow Weekend.

Belbroughton Cricket Club - £2,500 towards a new artificial practice wicket.