Totnes community project in Crowdfunder call

Another £10k needed by Monday

A Totnes community scheme is days away from closing its crowdfunder campaign and is calling for residents to give it a little push ahead of the Monday deadline.

A project called Transition Streets is tackling the climate, cost-of-living and loneliness crises by encourgaing neighbours to take practical action together. They says it is a tried and tested approach to saving money and carbon.

One of the biggest benefits reported among participants in Totnes, where the project originates, is that it improves wellbeing and means people don't have to face challenges on their own.

They are hoping to raise £26,500 by noon on 20 September, so that more households in Totnes can get involved. Individual contributions up to £250 are matched by the National Emergencies Trust Fund. 

As of Friday at 3 p.m it had reached £15,000, so there is still some way to go.

Project leader Ruth Leonard-Williams said: "Many people have found new friendships and support which has been particularly welcomed after the isolation of covid.

"As well as individual changes to save energy and water, participating streets are planning all sorts of exciting projects, such as car share schemes, bulk buying clubs, communal growing projects for food and rewilding and temporary street closures for Play Streets.

"One resident is giving her entire garage to the street for sharing tools and useful household items. I can’t wait to see what else people have planned and see our streets become better places to live.”

The crowdfunder page is at: www.bit.ly/BetterStreetsAhead