Capel plan for troll concept

A Capel not-for-profit group is hoping to build community spirit in the South West town through a number of Capel-themed projects.

Capel Community Promotions members presented some of their ideas at last week's Capel Shire Council meeting, where they received positive feedback from councillors.

The group's first project is getting a "resident troll" painted under WA's only curved wooden bridge, at the entrance to the town, by group member Erin Rafferty.

Kathleen Mawer said support for the group's troll concept had been strong among the Capel community.

"It started off as a little in-joke, something we thought we'd just shove under the bridge, but it's taken off and people love it," she said.

The group formed after the closure of a local club that had organised the town's Christmas tree for several years. Due to its closure, a tree was not put up last year.

"We needed to get together and bring Christmas back to Capel and the group has just grown from there," Mrs Mawer said.

"We decided that Capel just needed a bit of beautifying in general."

She said the group was in the process of getting funding for its projects through community grants, fundraising events and "hopefully" council funding.

After presenting their ideas to the council, it was recommended that a working group be formed including members from the group, Capel Chamber of Commerce and councillors to decide on projects suitable for the town.

The group is awaiting council feedback before starting its projects but Mrs Mawer said Christmas preparations had already begun.