HUNDREDS of thousands of pounds are set to be pumped into Halstead to support the town’s community groups.

At a meeting of Braintree Council’s cabinet on Tuesday, December 6, it was agreed that £600,000 would be allocated to support community and voluntary groups with the creation, improvement and development of new community assets in Halstead.

Voluntary groups in Halstead will soon be able to bid for funding to deliver new community projects in the town.  

The Braintree Council cashpot was originally earmarked for a new Halstead Community Centre.

To ensure the fund is invested in the community, it has now been agreed the money will not be ringfenced for one project.

Instead it will be available to voluntary groups for other projects to benefit the wider Halstead community.

Braintree Council communities boss Frankie Ricci said: "This fund will be a vital tool to support voluntary groups and organisations that are well placed to take on projects that will benefit Halstead residents.

“We’re keen to ensure the funding is invested in the area to support the delivery of new and improved local services to meet the needs of the whole community.”

Applications to bid for the funding will open in January 2023 for a period of six weeks, which will include details about the eligibility criteria.

More information will be issued closer to the time.