Enterprising business initiatives to give North Wiltshire towns a boost could win thousands of pounds in funding from North Wiltshire District Council.

It has a fund of £35,000 available to support innovative projects that encourage town centre improvement and wider economic development in the area.

The initiative has been running for a number of years but the application process has been simplified and funds have been allocated to each of the major towns.

Calne, Corsham, Cricklade, Wootton Bassett and Malmesbury will each be allocated £5,000 and Chippenham, as it is a larger town, will have £10,000.

Projects will need to be match funded by at least 50 per cent of the total projected cost.

Successful projects that have previously been supported include leaflets promoting retailers, planting schemes, provision of information boards, walking trails, support for Christmas events and carnivals.

Bids for projects must be submitted by October 31. Those wishing to apply should contact Damian Wood on (01249) 706523 or email business@northwilts.gov.uk