A new helpline set up to help local heritage groups win lottery cash has proved an instant hit in Coventry.

The phone line was connected last week as part of the Heritage Cash for Coventry scheme, set up by the Heritage Lottery Fund and Coventry City Council to make applying for lottery funds simpler.  

In the first week, local advisors have been inundated with over 70 calls and letters from local community groups keen to explore ways of funding their heritage projects.

This compares to less than a handful of enquires a month from Coventry groups using the national enquiry line.

Many of the initial calls have been from groups wanting to find out more about a community conference, which is taking place tomorrow.

Sarah Cooper, from the Heritage Lottery Fund, said:

"We are delighted with the huge response from Coventry groups so early on in the Cash for Coventry scheme.

“We are committed to helping make the process of applying for funding easier and pleased to see local groups making use of this pioneering lottery outreach scheme".

The conference, which is free, is being held at the Old Blue Coat school and is open to all local community groups interested in applying for heritage lottery funding.

More than 60 local groups are expected to attend the event and some places are still available by calling the organisers on 024 7683 1121 or e-mail cashforcov@coventry.gov.uk.

The conference will cover information on all the heritage lottery programmes including Awards for All, the Local Heritage Initiative and covers grants from £500 to mulit-million bids.

John Taylor, local Cash for Coventry Co-ordinator said:

"The Cash for Coventry Conference is a great opportunity for community groups to find out more about the scheme and the heritage lottery funds available.

“We're delighted to hold the event in the magnificent Old Blue Coat School which in itself is a jewel in Coventry's heritage.”

The Cash for Coventry Initiative was launched at the Council House last week by Baroness Christine Crawley, chair of the Regional Cultural Consortium.

The scheme was set up to ensure Coventry receives its fair share of £10 million that is available for heritage projects in the West Midlands each year.

It will run until September and includes promotional events, local advisors, development vouchers, heritage surgeries and training events.

SEE [08 JAN 01] HERITAGE CASH ON OFFER TO HISTORY GROUPS