Canal charity wins £13,000 grant

A charity which offers disabled people the chance to explore canals in Essex has been given a £13,000 funding boost. The Canal Boat Project, based in Burnt Mill, Harlow, is one of 12 groups in the district to share £94,598 of grants Essex County Council. The grant will help complete the charity's £50,000 project to build a reception cabin and pumping equipment.

The Canal Boat Project has five canal boats which cruise around Essex on the rivers Stort and Lee. As well as providing disabled access, it also ensures people with disabilities can take an active part in the boating experience.

Alan Furness, volunteer fund-raiser and skipper, said: "The Canal Boat Project is absolutely delighted to receive this money from the Community Initiatives Fund which will make so much difference to us all. Our new facilities will cut the time it takes to pump out the boats, saving us money in the long-term. This means we can spend funds instead on new equipment and facilities which will be great for everyone."

Other winning schemes are:

Harlow Green Sox: £3,500 towards youth baseball initiative

Harlow and District Chinese Community Centre: £6,101 for improvements to community centre

Rainbow Services: £7,250 for resurfacing outside yard

1st Kingsmoor Scout Group: £900 for a secure shed

Booth Academy of Table Tennis: £17,000 for centre modernisation

Harlow District Scout Council: £2,050 for works to Risden Scout Camp

1st Great Parndon Scouts: £1,950 for a security fence to Snow Farm Scout Hut

Harlow Cricket Club: £5,000 for upgrading the clubhouse

The Gateway Centre: £10,000 for air conditioning

St John's Arts and Recreation Centre: £6,250 for a new floor

Great Parndon Community Association: £7,597 for redeveloping the playground.