Swindon Borough Council has been awarded £3m to address under-privilege and hardship in the town - and it will help fund a new art trail of dog sculptures across the borough next summer

The money was granted to the council by the government from its Shared Prosperity Fund as part of its “levelling up” agenda. The UK total allocated is £2.6 billion.

Leader of the council David Renard said: “The objective of the fund is to build pride in places and to increase life chances and, in order to receive our share of the money, we had to submit an investment plan, which has just gained approval.

Our plan set out how we would use the funding to tackle particular Levelling Up challenges across the Borough including supporting Swindon’s young people into work with a focus on those who are at risk of being left behind.

“We also want to increase accessibility in Swindon and will be looking to invest in public buildings and country parks so they are open to all to enjoy.”

Rather than spend all of the money on its own projects, the council has announced it will use some of it to help charities and community groups already working in the borough.

The Alzheimer’s Society will receive £140,000, while The Harbour Project has been granted £24,000, and the Wrong Shoes Theatre Company, the experimental company which also provides training to actors of all experience at the Shoebox Theatre in the Health Hydro has been allocated £31,655.

Beechcroft Library, which is run by Stratton St Margaret Parish Council, is in line to receive £50,000 and Julia’s House Children’s Hospice can look forward to receiving £80,000.

One of the highlights will be The Big Dog Art Trail next year to help Julia's House children's hospice.

More than 30 larger than life balloon dog sculptures, the Swindogs, are set to be unleashed during summer 2023, creating a free art trail across Swindon.

The hospice and the public art producer, Wild in Art will work with children and young people who will be able to adopt and decorate their own mini Swinpup sculpture, which will feature on the trail.

The spectacle will raise vital funds to support seriously ill children

Mike Bartlett, Deputy CEO for Julia’s House, said, “We’re sure that the Big Dog Art Trail will bring great joy and colour to Swindon next summer.

"This project is a great collaboration between the council, local businesses, schools, community groups and artists.

"This funding will play a big part in the event’s success, allowing more people and organisations to get involved.

"As a result, this will also mean more money raised to support the most seriously ill children in the area, cared for by Julia’s House.”

Coun Renard said: “I was thrilled we were able to support some of our partner community groups through the fund and our officers had the pleasure of informing them this week that money will be coming their way to help them continue to deliver their vital work for local residents.