A NEW award has been launched to reward those people who make Swindon a better place.

The Quality of Life Awards are also aimed at encouraging an interest in sustainable living.

Lynn Forrester, who designed the awards, said sustainable living was something anybody could play a part in.

"There are lots of small changes people can make to help maintain the environment.

"People, either as individuals or within groups, are already planning to or are executing such changes and they are who we want to recognise."

But the Quality of Life Awards do not relate solely to the environment.

Quality of Life can mean anything that makes life more enjoyable for people living in the area.

Examples given by Lynn include boosting employment or affordable housing, reducing traffic speed or introducing vital services into the community.

On a smaller scale, it could also mean creating nature reserves, helping with community building projects or promoting the interests of disadvantaged people.

And the plans could still be in the formative stages to qualify for an award.

Winners may even receive a £500 grant to support their project as well as a trophy and certificate.

Lynn said: "People in a community are usually concerned about their quality of life this is their chance to act on it."

She said she hoped the scheme would raise awareness of Local Agenda 21 a partnership between the council and local businesses to plan for sustainable development.

If you have an idea, are planning or currently running a project, you are welcome to apply for an award.

Applications will be accepted throughout 2002 and the winners will be announced in 2003.

For more information please get in touch with Lynn on 01793466167 or email her at: lforrester@swindon.gov.uk