Ashfield Council has secured £1.3m in UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) from the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA).

Approved by the council’s cabinet on March 17, this will allow the council to continue to invest in a range of projects across the district, including improving high streets, supporting local businesses and helping get people into work.

The first projects to get underway will include £90,000 in grants to community groups across the district to help improve residents’ health and wellbeing and £33,000 to fund a worker to support people who are struggling financially.

There is also a further £200,000 allocated to grants for local businesses.

Ashfield Council has secured £1.3m in Government funding from the EMCAA. Photo: Submitted

placeholder image — Ashfield Council has secured £1.3m in Government funding from the EMCAA. Photo: Submitted

These will assist businesses with their marketing, including their digital presence and selling online, plus measures to reduce their energy use and process optimisation.

Applications for these grants will open on April 23.

Full details of how to apply can be found at ashfield.gov.uk/business-licensing/business-support/grow-your-business/business-grants/

Further projects will be announced in the coming weeks.