HALF a millions pounds is to be spent helping local town and parish councils get projects off the ground.

Financed by Hampshire County Council and the Hampshire Association of Local Councils, the Parish and Town Council Investment Fund will available for the county’s smaller authorities to apply for.

If successful, they will be allowed to use the money to: enhance existing or provide new infrastructure which supports their communities, such as community centres; make their areas more resilient, which includes tackling social isolation; fund training to support local residents to deliver services in the area, such as maintaining rights of way.

Countryside and rural affairs chief, and lead member for the Town and Parish Council Partnership, Councillor Edward Heron, launched the fund with support from Hampshire’s Association of Local Councils (HALC) at their Annual General Meeting on Saturday 10 November. Both organisations are looking to use the cash to pilot new ways of working in support of local people and services.

He said: “Parish and town councils work closely with local people and have the local knowledge to understand what their neighbourhoods need. We’re keen to encourage innovation at this local level; and it was good to see, at the launch, that many councils are already actively discussing this opportunity, and getting ready to join in.

“The Town and Parish Council Fund will operate as an investment fund, and focus on areas of need and opportunity. It’s a way for us to empower local organisations to run well-targeted community projects themselves, by providing funding for specific schemes. It’s also a reflection of the invaluable role these local councils play, supporting the wellbeing of people and communities across our entire county.”

The authority is now inviting local councils, as well as community groups, to apply for a share of the £500,000 pot.

Tto apply, visit: www3.hants.gov.uk/grants/ccbs-grants/parish-town-council-investment-fund