A COMMUNITY fund for north Shropshire will open this week with up to £25,000 up for grabs for "good and green" projects.

The Freedom Fund, set up by broadband company Freedom Fibre, will open on Friday (April 5) to invest thousands of pounds in environmental projects in areas where it is rolling out its lightning-fast, full-fibre network in the county.

The fund is being supported by Shropshire Council and Cabinet member for Culture and Digital Councillor Robert Macey welcomed its opening.

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He said: “We’re excited to support both the UK government and Freedom Fibre with its full-fibre broadband roll-out across north Shropshire.

“This investment will unleash so much potential for businesses and residents across the county.”

As part of its commitment to communities across north Shropshire, Freedom Fibre’s Freedom Fund will make grants of up to £500 to community non-profit groups delivering environmental projects.

The fund is now in its third year had has previously provided funds for a range of projects such as community orchards and gardens, solar panels and habitat improvement projects.

A number of projects in Whitchurch benefitted from the fund in 2023.

Neil McArthur MBE, chief executive officer at Freedom Fibre, said: “We pride ourselves on investing in the communities where we are rolling out our network.

“I’m delighted that we’ll be investing such a large amount of money in to good and green causes across north Shropshire.

“I can’t wait to see what applications we receive this time round.”

Community non-profit groups interested in applying to the Freedom Fund can find out more and apply at www.freedomfibre.com/fund

Applications of up to £500 can be made online and must be made before 5pm on Friday, June 28.

A spokesman added: “Freedom Fibre has started its full-fibre network build in north Shropshire which will extend through to 2026.

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“Residents interested in finding out more about the network or being kept up to date with the project can visit www.freedomfibre.com/connect

“In partnership with the UK government, Freedom Fibre is rolling out its lightning-fast, full-fibre network to homes and businesses across north Shropshire.

“Full-fibre is the future; it will soon replace the existing copper network in a nationwide switch off, and both internet and phonelines will use full-fibre network like ours.”