Residents in Cotmanhay met this weekend to discuss how more than £224,000 in new community funding could be used locally.
The meeting, hosted by Adam Thompson MP, brought together residents, councillors and community groups to share ideas for projects that could benefit Cotmanhay over the next three years.
Suggestions included youth work and training opportunities, gardening and environmental schemes, community noticeboards, older people’s social groups, and improvements to parks and play areas.
The funding comes from the East Midlands Combined County Authority’s (EMCCA) Community Development Fund – a £3 million regional programme set up through the new East Midlands devolution deal to support neighbourhoods with high levels of deprivation across Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire.
Cotmanhay’s share totals £224,307, split into £216,307 for projects and £8,000 for new or emerging community groups.
Expressions of interest for bids opened on 4 September 2025, with full applications due by 24 November. Final decisions are expected in January 2026, and successful projects are due to begin from February 2026.
The fund is overseen by the East Midlands Combined County Authority, which is also responsible for wider regional investment decisions – including the New Stanton Gate development, where historic cottages linked to aviation pioneer Hugh Oswald Short were demolished earlier this month.