Brentwood community groups offered Big Society grants
Community groups in an Essex town are being invited to bid for a share of £42,000 to improve their local areas.
The Brentwood Share Fund has been created by Brentwood Borough Council.
Voluntary groups, individuals and residents associations can apply for up to £5,000 to "put the Big Society into action", the council said.
The money would then be used towards improving the local environment, helping vulnerable people or reducing anti-social behaviour.
Conservative councillor Russell Quirk said: "The best ideas about how and where to make improvements in communities often come from the people who live in them.
"Whether it's towards building skills, improving local spaces and places, or making them safer, the opportunity is there."
A four-week period for bids to be made begins on Monday, with applications being considered by the council at the end of February.