CREATIVE-minded Topsham folk who may have ideas on how to improve part of the town can bid for council money to turn their thoughts into reality. Exeter City Council is offering residents the chance to gain grants of up to �500. The funds are available a

CREATIVE-minded Topsham folk who may have ideas on how to improve part of the town can bid for council money to turn their thoughts into reality.

Exeter City Council is offering residents the chance to gain grants of up to �500.

The funds are available as part of My Neighbourhood Pact, a pilot project in eight areas in and around the city aimed at empowering communities to bring about positive change.

The local authority is committed to involving residents in making decisions about issues that affect their neighbourhood.

Laura Newton, lead councillor for housing and community involvement, said: "This is a second opportunity for residents across the city to apply for a My Neighbourhood Community grant.

"The first round was in May and ten groups were successful in securing funding to put their ideas into action."

To apply for the community grants, you don't have to live in one of the eight My Neighbourhood PACT areas.

People just need to convince a panel and Exeter residents that the money will be spent on something that benefits their community.

In total, �15,000 of council funds has been earmarked to give out in three rounds of grants.

Full details and application forms can be found on the website www.exeter.gov.uk/myneighbourhoodpact.

The closing date is Friday 2 July.

Applicants will be invited to attend a special Exeter Decides event on Saturday, July 17, in the Guildhall. They'll be asked to make a short presentation to a panel and members of the public.

It will then be up to Exeter residents to decide which proposals receive funding.