GROUPS and projects seeking funding for next year can now apply for a community grant.

The grants will be awarded at the meeting of Alton Town Council’s policy and resources committee in January for the forthcoming financial year, and applications must be submitted by November 30.

Grants are awarded to organisations which are judged to contribute to the whole community and may not be capable of covering their full running costs through their charitable endeavours. Grants up to £10,000 will be handed out.

Applicants must complete a grant application which can be found at alton.gov.uk under the ‘Discover Alton’ link and submit to [email protected]. Paper copies are also available from the Town Hall. Applicants will then be questioned by councillors at a meeting on January 24.

Town clerk Leah Coney said: “While the constraints on the public purse are continually increasing, the town council is committed to giving financial assistance to local groups and projects, no matter how large or small, who provide genuine benefits to the community.

“These grants can often make the difference as to whether local clubs and charities are able to continue to provide the valuable help and assistance upon which many Altonians rely.”

Recipients in 2017 included Alton Community Association, Alton Counselling Service, Wey Valley Radio, Alton Buckle, Home-Start WeyWater, Bushy Leaze, The Bridges Support Project, and Victim Support.