Groups in Test Valley have a month to apply for their share of £300,000 from a new community fund.

Test Valley Borough Council’s Community Asset Fund will be launched today (Friday).

Clubs, charities, voluntary organisations, parish and town councils, village and community hall committees and shops will be eligible to apply for cash.

Applicants can submit bids for 50 per cent of the cost of a project, up to a maximum of £25,000.

The council will award grants four times per year and cut-off dates for submissions for each round will be published on the authority’s website.

The deadline for the first round of applications is January 6.

Full terms and conditions and an application form is available online at testvalley.gov.uk/CAF. Hard copies can be obtained from community engagement officer, Marianne Piggin, on 01264 368623.

Tony Ward, portfolio holder for community and leisure, said: “It can be extremely difficult for communities to get initiatives off the ground, as finances are invariably an issue. The Community Asset Fund will provide a valuable lifeline to ensure schemes can be progressed and delivered.”

The money comes from the council’s New Homes Bonus reserve, created by the Government matching the Council Tax income for six years from new homes created in the borough.