More than 80 bids for cash from leader’s community fund

More than 80 community groups have bid for a share of a £750,000 pot of cash for projects.

Surrey County Council Leader David Hodge launched the fund to help residents improve local areas.

Eighty-five applications for money from the Community Improvements Fund were received by this month’s deadline.

Surrey County Council leader David Hodge. Click the image to download

Groups* have asked for between £10,000 and £50,000 – the most available for a single scheme.

Among the bidders are scouts wanting to renovate premises, a group looking to create an outdoor fitness area and a church hoping to build a hall for community events.

Other applications have been received from people wanting to transform a neglected pond into a focal point for the neighbourhood and a sports club seeking to develop its facilities.

Mr Hodge said: “I started this fund to help people across Surrey get schemes up and running that benefit their local communities.

“It is a great example of the county council and residents joining together to make Surrey an even better place to live.

“Even a small amount of cash can make a big difference in local communities and I’m looking forward to seeing groups get projects off the ground that will be of lasting benefit to residents.”

A panel of councillors will now consider the projects, with Mr Hodge giving the final sign-off. Groups are expected to discover if they have been successful in the first round of approvals next month.

More information about the fund can be found at www.surreycc.gov.uk/communityimprovementsfund.

Ends

* Full details are not available until the applications have been considered.

Bids to be considered by the panel: Elmbridge – 8; Epsom & Ewell – 3; Guildford – 9; Mole Valley – 14; Reigate & Banstead – 4; Runnymede – 12; Surrey Heath – 4; Spelthorne – 4; Tandridge – 6; Waverley – 14; Woking – 7.