A NEW fund has been set up to help boost projects designed at improving and developing Colchester town centre.

Our Colchester Business Improvement District is inviting application for its new Create fund, which launches at the end of the month.

A total of £12,000 will be available to external organisations each financial year, with the aim of promoting or improving the town centre.

Sam Good, Business Improvement District manager, said: "This fund will aim to support the events and projects that have struggled with previous local funding and most importantly for those that are looking to enhance and improve the town centre.

"We hope that this funding pot will encourage many organisations to bring their ideas to life and expand their existing plans to the next stage of growth.”

Projects must align with the strategics aims of the Business Improvement District but cash for the expansion of existing projects will be considered.

READ MORE: Our Colchester BID to make town centre more attractive

Simon Blaxill, chair of the Business Improvement District, said: "With so many passionate and enthusiastic people around Colchester town centre brimming with ideas, Our Colchester have launched this Create fund to support these ideas to expand and grow.

"The Business Improvement District is here to support the growth of Colchester town centre and this funding pot allows us to really enhance the offerings that there is already in place.”

READ MORE: Our Colchester BID funds Disc scheme for town's Pub Watch

The first round of applications will open next Thursday (May 30) and close on June 30 before a panel of Board and Advisory Group members assesses entries in July.

More details and an application form will be available at ourcolchester.co.uk/createfund soon.