A HOST of projects throughout Worcestershire and Herefordshire have been given grants worth almost £200,000 to build on their environmental work.

The grants have come from the Welcome to our Future (Local Agenda 21) scheme through the auspices of the Severn Waste Environmental Fund.

Successful applicants were those whose projects demonstrated they furthered sustainable development at community level, or which showed that planned repairs or improvements would reduce environmental impact.

A total of £199,167 has been awarded across the two counties.

Examples of the successful projects are:

n Duckworth Worcestershire Trust: Conservation centre for Worcester

The Trust has been given £40,000 towards the cost of turning an existing Victorian pumphouse into an environmental centre, incorporating a visitor information/interpretation facility, visitor facilities, and training room/workshop facilities.

"Once the refurbishment is complete, the building will be open to members of the public and will act as a resource centre for those interested in a wide range of environmental issues," said a Duckworth Worcestershire Trust spokesman.

"There will be a wide variety of displays focussing on water and recycling issues.

"The building will also be a focus for environmental volunteering in the city with training room facilities and a meeting room facility available for community groups."

n Offenham Playground Supporters: Reconstruction of playground.

This group received £4,999 to create a communal play area for the village, near Evesham, which has around 250 children aged under 12.

The nearest play area is more than three miles away and the group has already managed to raise more than £7,000 through various initiatives. A specialist will also be funded to advise on the most environmentally and sustainable materials for such a project.

n Waterside Enhancement: Droitwich

The Residents' Association has been given £1,200 for "enhancement works." These will include new planting schemes and a bench. The project impressed Agenda 21 board members as it seeks to involve local youngsters in the work.

n Martley Village Memorial Hall: drainage improvements.

A grant of £1,500 has been awarded to cover the cost of providing gulleys and drainage to the hall's car park. A ramp to provide access for disabled users has also been built.

The Fund can be contacted at its Malvern office on 01684 577001.