SIDMOUTH and Ottery could benefit from cash in a ‘Parishes Together Fund’ grants scheme – but only if they work together or with other neighbours.

Town councils have been invited to apply for money put forward by the district and county authorities – which have pumped the sum of �1.10 per elector into the kitty.

However, all applications must be submitted jointly from two or more parishes.

The funding is available to towns and parishes working together and involving the community to try and solve local issues.

Cash could be used for anything from permanent items to events, networks and one-off costs.

Each town or parish council involved will be able to apply for up to �1.10 for every person in their parish that was listed on the electoral roll in February.

The fund will be launched as part of a Jubilee Awards Evening to be hosted by East Devon District Council last night (May 17) - where application forms and guidance notes were available hot off the press.

EDDC’s part of the funding has come from the New Homes Bonus, which is paid by the Government to the authority for every new home built or brought back into use.

Councillor Ray Bloxham, EDDC member and chair of the new homes bonus panel, said: “In this time of financial need this is an important fund that we have set up jointly with Devon County Council (DCC). I would encourage town and parish councils to start talking to their neighbours and others throughout the district and thinking about how they can make best use of this pot of money.”

DCC leader, John Hart, said: “If we believe in localism, then it is vital we work together in new and different ways to better help our communities to help themselves, and give parishes and towns the power to make decisions as locally as possible.

“Communities know best what they want, and I look forward to seeing how the money is spent over this next year.”

To find out more visit www.eastdevon.gov.uk/parishestogetherfund.