BASINGSTOKE and Deane Borough Council has launched this year’s Councillor Community Grant Scheme.

The initiative, now in its fourth year, invites community groups and organisations to apply for financial support for their local projects.

More than 220 grants have been awarded by the scheme, supporting small-scale initiatives.

Each councillor is given a budget of £2,000 to aid organisations that provide services or facilities benefiting their ward's residents.

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They can individually grant between £250 and £2,000 or join forces with colleagues to increase the funding to £3,000 maximum.

Grants can be given to projects that align with the borough council’s Council Plan priorities.

Previously funded items include sports, gardening and camping equipment, tools, laptops, tables, chairs, websites, promotional flyers, toys and defibrillators.

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Director for resident services Fiona Darby said: "This grant means that our councillors, who work at the heart of our communities, are able to support local groups with funding for projects and activities which could make a difference to our residents’ lives.

"We would like to encourage groups and organisations to find out more about this grant scheme and get in touch with their ward councillors to talk through their ideas for how this funding could support them in bringing benefit to their communities."

For more information about the scheme and eligibility criteria, visit basingstoke.gov.uk/cllr-community-grants.