AN all-ages community group in Witney hopes to improve sustainability in its community after receiving a £1,000 grant from the Greggs Foundation.

The award from the high street baking company, which is funded with cash raised from the plastic bag charge, will be used for environmental schemes.

Cogges Meadow Park Community Group were given the award last week, and are ready to use the money to make their mark.

Though the community group is new, it is quickly proving their commitment to bettering the area. After a litter clean up last year turned up an abandoned mattress, dilapidated bike and 14 full waste bags, it became clear that there was a need for better disposal methods.

Witney Town Councillor Suzanne Bartington said: "It never fails to amaze me what is actually around

"We are looking at how we can sustain and protect our area in the long term."

A large amount of the cash will go towards proper bin provision, litter collection equipment and community clean-up events. Additionally, the area only has mixed-waste bins, and Dr Bartington wants to ensure that residents have access to recycling.

She said: "There is a school nearby, so we’re keen to use the funds to provide recycling. It’s important to encourage schoolchildren to recycle from an early age.

"We’re working with the school on this, and they’ll help us decide where we place the recycling bins."

The Cogges Meadow group was chosen for the Greggs Foundation grant due to its relevance and uniqueness. As it continues to fundraise, they hope to preserve not just their environment, but also the area's history.

Dr Bartington said: "The £1000 grant is specifically designated for environmental protection. Ideally, we’d like to raise up to £80,000 to make an entirely new play area. It’s just a meadow now, but we’d like the playground to be Celtic themed. The Cogges area predates Witney and is very important historically. We want to reflect that and make sure people are aware of it."

If the money can be raised, the Celtic-themed park would include classic Celtic architecture, a timber play-set and characteristic rounded features of Celtic art. An £80,000 goal starting at £1,000 is a challenge, but Dr Bartington thinks it’s possible.

SHe said: "We’re in a strong positon. We’ve got a great group and we’re very proactive."