An initiative has been launched to give £1,000 to each of Telford & Wrekin’s 54 councillors to invest in local community projects.

The £54,000 Your Money, Your Projects initiative will see each borough councillor in 33 of the council’s wards given the cash. Authority bosses say local residents will then have until October to contact ward members to put forward ideas on what the cash could be spent on.

The initiative replaces the £££s For Projects scheme launched by the council last year, which invested £4,500 in each ward, just under £150,000 across the borough.

£££s For Projects was scrapped by council chiefs after concerns about community involvement and to shift cash to other initiatives, like re-instating free swimming for under 16s.

Councillor Shaun Davies, cabinet member for co-operative council and partnership, said proposals could range from funding a local group, a community activity, an event, or other improvements within a ward.

He added that town and parish councils and residents could discuss their ideas on where the money should be spent with their ward member, bringing decision making back to grassroots level.

Mr Davies said: “The Your Money, Your Projects scheme is giving communities a sum of money to be spent where and on what they feel will benefit their area. Suggestions can be as innovative and different as people like.

“The fund is based on the principle that a small amount of funding can make a big difference in local areas and that local people know what is needed to improve and embellish their area.

“You can suggest funding for a community event or activity, or perhaps a physical improvement to brighten up the area.

“Local people make the suggestions, so don’t waste your say and contact your local ward member today.

“You can contact your ward member direct.

“If you are unsure who your ward member is log on to www.telford.gov.uk/coun cillors to see the full list of ward members.”