Community groups invited to apply for funding

Applications can be submitted until 15 June

Community groups in Surrey are being invited to submit bids for money to fund projects which will improve the lives of local residents.

Epsom and Ewell Borough Council is asking organisations to bid for neighbourhood funds raised by the Community Infrastructure Levy (CILs).

Last year, the council issued about £330,000 for projects, including footpath improvements at Epsom's Hogsmill Local Nature Reserve and tree planting in Waterloo Road, as well as a new club house in Old Schools Lane, Ewell, to provide a home for community sports.

Applications for this year's bids can be submitted until 15 June.

The CILs are fees paid by developers to help local councils deliver the required infrastructure when new developments are built.

Councillor Peter O'Donovan, chair of the licensing and planning policy committee, said: "I hope that as many local community groups and organisations as possible take this opportunity to bid for funds for community projects and initiatives that can improve quality of life for residents in Epsom & Ewell.

"The Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy Fund offers us the chance to deliver projects that have a real impact on our communities.

"By applying for this funding, community groups and organisations can help ensure that money raised through local development is spent on projects that are important to residents here in Epsom & Ewell."

Information about the criteria which needs to be met in order to apply can be found on the council's website.