COMMUNITIES across Bromsgrove District that have been affected by new housing developments now have another chance to bid for the council's New Homes Bonus grants.

As of this week, not-for-profit groups and organisations can apply for funding for local projects out of money that Bromsgrove District Council has allocated that specific area from the New Homes Bonus pot.

Earlier this month, the council deliberated over the 22 applications it had received, and decided to award more than £50,000 to 18 community groups across the district.

The money left over has been added to cash left over from last year's scheme, and is now available to applicants for this second round of funding.

Cllr Geoff Denaro, leader of Bromsgrove District Council, said: "It’s great to see the applications we’ve had so far, and we want more. The funding is there, we’ve made it available, so I’d strongly encourage groups with ideas for their communities to discuss it with their ward councillor and apply.”

The £12,324 outstanding from last year can be accessed by any community group that can evidence it has been affected by growth, with a £3,500 limit per application.

For the £61,496 left over from this year's first found of bids, applications for up to £28,000 can be made. However, this is limited by each ward's allocation, the details of which can be found in a Ward Application Summary on the council website.

Bids can be made across more than one ward if additional benefit to the community can be proved, but each application must have the support of the relevant ward councillors.

The deadline for Bromsgrove District Council to receive bids if 5pm on October 26.

For more information, visit bromsgrove.gov.uk/nhb or email NHBgrants@bromsgrove.gov.uk.