The council has money available for projects which relate to improving air quality, policing resources and emergency services, parks and open spaces, streetscape or community safety. The money set aside for the projects has been collected by the council from developers since 2015 under the Community Infrastructure Levy (NCIL) scheme. Environmental and greening projects are always welcome by the City Living Local Life team.

The money is being allocated on a ward basis. There is £38,833 available for Colville ward; £43,161 for part of Norland ward; £165,875 for Pembridge ward and £2,487 for Notting Dale. Bids need to be in by 8 April. There is more information at: planningconsult.rbkc.gov.uk

Last year, successful bids included traffic calming measures, CCTV cameras, acoustic cameras to catch noisy drivers, cycle storage, street improvements such as planters and waste bins (which could include dog bins on lamp-posts), an information board for Holland House, park improvements and various community projects.

Now we are asked to meet friends outside, more benches anyone?