A charity supporting children with physical needs has been awarded a portion of a £10,000 budget to champion “worthwhile” community projects.

Playskill was awarded £1,170 of a locality budget to buy a new camcorder and specialist chair by Leggatts ward councillor and Labour Group Secretary, Asif Khan.

The charity runs parent and child term-time groups for pre-school children with physical challenges.

The new equipment will be used to monitor the children’s progress while they attend the specialist playgroup.

Mr Khan said the grant would “benefit all 41 Playskill children attending now, and in the future”.

The donation is part of a scheme started by Hertfordshire County Council back in 2009.

County councillors work with community members to identify local matters and worthwhile projects to support, distributing the £10,000 accordingly. 

Mr Khan also awarded £500 to The Samaritans of South West Herts who offer people in distress non-judgemental support. The money will go towards on-going support to training facilities, resources and equipment. 

Mr Khan said: “These resources are essential to ensure enough volunteers are trained and retained to be available 24-hours-a-day to support those struggling to cope or at risk of suicide.”

St Albans East councillor, Anthony Rowlands, allocated £650 to the Trestle Theatre Company to set up a new drama group called Act Up. The group regularly host events for people with disabilities and poor mental health. 

Cllr Rowlands said: “They will benefit from having a reliable, weekly opportunity to come to a fully accessible and safe space and engage in a creative and healthy activity, led by experienced professionals.”

While councillor Chris White of St Albans Central, chose to give £454.20 to St Albans District Council to improve the footpath surface into a play area and green space at Fleetville Recreation Ground.

Cllr White said the grant will “provide a better surface for disabled users and also provide an alternative safe route to school.”