Community projects in mid and west Cornwall promoting a greener world to benefit residents are being given a boostthroughnew grants delivered by Cornwall Council.

For Falmouth, the grant will go towards creating a boardwalk as part of what is known as the Falmouth Green Corridor, and funding has also been awarded to Chyan Community Trust for a project in Mabe.

Schemes in Helston and Porthleven, Stithians, Penzance, Hayle and Troon will benefit.

They are among 14 projects around Cornwall that have been given funding as part of a new Council scheme – the Community Infrastructure Levy Fund – as announced in January.

The fund is backing projects that support low-carbon infrastructure.

Falmouth Town Council has been awarded £43,276 to install the boardwalk.

Simon Penna, Grounds and Facilities Manager at the town council, said the tender to supply and install the boardwalk was currently being advertised.

He added:

"As well as the obvious improvement the boardwalk will make to Falmouth's infrastructure, the aim of the project is to give continuous pedestrian connectivity from the town's major area of development along Bickland Water Road to Swanpool, the town and coastal path beyond.

"The aspiration is to have a pleasant route that people will use in preference to taking their vehicles and the well-being benefits of walking in the natural environment will help improve the lives of our residents.

"There are a number of community groups that voluntarily maintain parts of what is known locally as Falmouth Green Corridor, they as well as many professionals and interested parties have come together to form the Falmouth Green Corridor Forum.

"When the news that the bid had been successful came through we were all delighted; many comments have been received, but the overriding feeling is that it is great to have something so positive going on in what has been a very difficult time for so many people.

"Work to clear the route in preparation is well underway, benefits are emerging even in the early stages, with invasive plant species being eradicated, check dams being created to slow floodwater down and habitats created for our wildlife."

Chyan Community Trust has also been given £25,000 for a pathway, play trail, signage and multi-use workshop floor area in Mabe.

Chyan Community Field has provided access to zero-emission community training for 20 years for large numbers of local families, schools and organic gardeners.

Chyan Development Officer Brett Jackson added:

"The playful trails link examples of sustainable buildings made from cob, granite, logs, willow, straw built and tented structures with accessible paths and a fun information booklet. Other play trails include zero-emission energy, food and exercise stations.

"Families can walk or children can learn to cycle on the paths around the field and enjoy the forest garden and countryside.

"The centre of the field has a tented dome (Chyan Plen) for community training courses and the support from CIL will fund an accessible all-weather workshop floor."

[H3] See the latest news on our Twitter and Facebook pages. [.H2]