Funding boost for new 'Paint that Kerb' initiative in Derry

Applications for the 'Paint that Kerb' scheme are expected to open within weeks.

Grants of up to £1,000 will be made available for the purchase of paint stock from retailers which will then be used to spruce up kerb stones in the city.

Two pilots will initially be trialled on the Limavady Road and the Culmore Road areas.

Lotta Waugh-Fell from DCWGALB said: "This is a really positive initiative that will give the city a major spruce up ahead of the summer.

"It will provide a much needed cash injection for multinational paint manufacturers and retailers and bring some vibrant colour back to the highways and byways of our city."

Initially the application will only be open for paint stocks that are in surplus. The first tranche of paints that will be available to interested arts and community groups will be: Peek-a-boo blue; Volcanic red; Maypole white; Orange Fizz; and Pixie Green.

The Department for Committees, Working Groups and Arms-Length Bodies said £5bn has been initially set aide for the project although this will be subject to budget availability.

It was one of the commitments in an agreement at one time but we can't mind which.