RESIDENTS affected by new housing developments in Hagley are being encouraged to bid for £20,000 of council New Homes Bonus cash.

Bromsgrove District Council agreed to make £125,000 available to communities across the district who have experienced housing developments over the past year.

When the scheme was launched in 2011, central government hoped some of the money awarded to local councils would be passed on to the communities affected - but this failed to happen in Bromsgrove for four years.

In 2014, a district-wide petition holding 1,429 signatures was presented to Bromsgrove District Council, who later agreed to alter its policy.

£63,000 in New Homes Bonus payments were invested to improve facilities in developing areas across the district.

Peter Rowbottom, lead petitioner and member of Hagley Residents Action Group, said: “It's great news that Bromsgrove Council are making available £125,000 in New Homes Bonus money to communities across the district affected by new housing developments for the next year, with almost £20,000 of that money for the Hagley community.

“This now means that Hagley amongst other areas can potentially benefit to the tune of up to tens of thousands of pounds each in terms of improvements to local facilities over the next year or so.

“I would encourage any community groups in Hagley to make bids for this money for any small or larger projects that would benefit local villagers."

Of the 19 applications dealt with by Bromsgrove District Council for 2015/16, 13 were awarded at least some of the requested amount to help improve nearby facilities.

These applications ranged from the installation of new benches to the refurbishment of two rooms at a medical centre to provide further patient access.

Councillor Geoff Denaro, whose portfolio covers finance, said: "If the impact of a development crosses ward boundaries, there could well be nothing to stop the parish on one side and the ward council on the other getting together and putting in a bid.

"We're just trying to make it easier to put bids in."

The closing date for bids to be received by the council is 5pm on Friday, July 29.

For details, breakdowns and application forms, visit bromsgrove.gov.uk/nhb or email nhbgrants@bromsgrove.gov.uk.