Every local council in Malta and Gozo is being given a Lm1,000 (EUR2329.37) contribution from HSBC, to be used on community projects for the environment, children, education or heritage in their area.

The bank has set up this scheme in an effort to help small-scale projects and programmes in the local community.

Balzan local council was one of the first to use the scheme, and has used the HSBC funds to help in improving the children’s playground. The existing area was refurbished to a new design, with swings, a play structure for climbing with a safety carpet, benches and litter bins. A public convenience has also been constructed.

HSBC will be contributing some Lm70,000 (EUR163,056.14), once agreements have been reached with each council. “Local councils have a lot of responsibilities and often need help to improve the local community,” said HSBC Malta CEO Shaun Wallis. “As the world’s local bank, we are delighted to assist, albeit in a modest way.”