THE deadline is approaching for community groups to bid for a share of a £1.5m fund.

Organisations which want to apply for part of the Essex County Council’s Community Initiatives Fund must do so before August 28.

Last year 90 projects across the county were given sums of up to £20,000.

Groups which are successful at the expressions of interest stage will have to make a full application in September.

The judging panel will be made up of representatives from parish and town councils, CVS groups and other charitable organisations.

Roger Hirst, responsible for customer services, libraries, planning and the environment at the county council, said: “The Community Initiatives Fund is an excellent example of how Essex County Council is supporting communities to help themselves.

“I would encourage those who want to bid for a share of this fund to apply to avoid missing out.

For more information visit www.essex.gov.uk/cif