A HUGE fund aimed at kickstarting the Big Society in Barnet goes up for grabs this month.

Residents wanting to run initiatives for the community can now bid for a slice of the £600,000 pot, allocated over three years, set up by Councillor Robert Rams.

The idea which comes from central Government aims to get residents to take a lead in communities and run projects to help improve things for themselves.

However, the scheme was condemned by opposition councillors when it was unveiled in December, with accusations it is a “smokescreen” for cuts to the artsdepot and museums.

But Cllr Rams said the cash is coming from “reductions in senior management pay as the council has adapted to the changing financial climate”.

He added: "We believe a small amount of money can help unleash a lot of energy to develop entirely new ways of addressing local issues.

"The people often with the best solutions to tackling local problems are often those with their ear closest to the ground and we would love to hear from you."

Informal groups will be able to bid for cash between £500 and £5,000, while groups with constitutions can ask for up to £50,000.

Individuals with an idea will also be allowed to bid for money in the lower cash bracket.

A meeting to allow people interested in bidding is being run at the Sangham Centre in Burnt Oak on Thursday, June 16, with bids closing on Friday, July 29.

To book a place email innovation.bank@barnet.gov.uk and to download an application form visit www.innovationbankbarnet.org.uk