GROUPS in Tendring have been given a £120,000 boost from County Hall.

The money, from Essex County Council’s Community Initiatives Fund, has been awarded to 13 organisations.

Harwich Town Council received £15,000 to provide an improved concrete surface for the skatepark near Dovercourt swimming pool.

Councillor Jo Henderson, who worked on the bid, said: “It is nice to know someone higher up felt it was a good bid. A lot of hard work went into it. I am pleased for the users’ group. Progress is slow, but moving forward.”

The town council has also put in a bid to Tendring Council’s Big Society Fund for further improvements to the skatepark. In April, the Big Society committee voted against the proposal, but the town council was encouraged to submit another application.

Freddy Gravenor, of Fronks Road, Dovercourt, has been helping put the bids together.

He said: “This is good news for the skate park. I think it is the first lot of funding we have had in the last six months. We are also looking into Big Society funding. We will see what 2014 brings.’’ Lawford Parish Council was given £14,000 towards a project to create a path, new car park entrance and gates for School Lane Playing Field.

Chairman Alan Coley said: “This is excellent news and we will be able to put the money to good use. It will go towards refurbishing the whole area, for the people of Lawford.”

Teen Talk received £13,000 to transform its workshop into a community room.

Ramsey War Memorial Hall was awarded £10,000 to provide modernised play equipment for the recreation site.

Wrabness Parish Council was given £5,000 to upgrade a 70m of fencing at the Rectory Road sports pitch.

Little Oakley Parish Council received £1,000 for two notice boards.

County councillor John Jowers, responsible for libraries, communities and planning, said: “The changing make-up of society is placing huge pressure on communities, so I am delighted to assist groups with projects which are important to them and projects that will benefit, enhance and strengthen the community.”