SEVENTEEN projects which improve the quality of life in Colchester are to share a £700,000 windfall.

The money comes as part of the Colchester2020 project and covers everything from increasing police presence on the street to building up small businesses in the community.

The Public Service Partnership which runs the scheme, and is made up of representatives from a number of organisations, has spent the past few months assessing bids from dozens of groups, agencies and charities to decide how the Government money could best be spent.

Greg Falvey, chairman of the partnership, said: “We’re really excited about what these projects can achieve for Colchester, improving the daily lives of thousands of people.

“Each is targeted to achieve the maximum results based on the needs of the community. By bringing together lots of different organisations under the partnership, we were able to take a more joined up look at how to best use this funding to tackle issues affecting the people of Colchester, such as antisocial behaviour and obesity.

“This partnership approach means that the funding will be targeted to those people who need help the most, making a far greater difference.”

As well as focusing on safety and aesthetic issues around the town, the money will also be used to improve people’s lifestyles.

The largest sum of money, £72,000, will be given to the Mend Scheme and Dietetic Support.

It will be used to help educate people about healthier diets, as well as paying towards the recruitment of a nutritionist to help improve access to dedicated nutritional advice for the local communities.

A total of £120,000 will also be divided between three schemes to help tidy up the town and make it greener.