COMMUNITY projects in Axminster and Hawkchurch are among those to share funding from the Parishes Together Fund.

Town and parish councils throughout East Devon successfully bid for a total of £20,900 from East Devon District Council and Devon County Council.

The two councils have joined together to contribute £1.01 per elector into the grants scheme.

Among the successful projects were the setting up of a community shop in Hawkchurch, supported by Hawkchurch and Axminster, and a new vehicle for the Ring and Ride service, supported by Axminster, Membury, Musbury and Kilmington.

There is still time for town and parish councils to apply for funding with the deadline on March 1.

If you know of a project that might benefit, contact your local parish council. The funding is available to town and parish councils working together and involving the community to try and solve local issues.

All applications must be submitted jointly from two or more parishes.

The funding could be used for anything from permanent items to events, networks and one-off costs.

To find out more go to eastdevon.gov.uk/parishestogetherfund East Devon District Councillor Ray Bloxham, chairman of the New Homes Bonus Panel which made the decision on the applications, said: “In this time of financial need this is an important fund that we have set up jointly with Devon County Council.

"I was very impressed with the high standard of the projects and felt that they were all important community projects that need support in the current financial climate.”

"I would encourage town and parish councils to talk to their neighbours and others throughout the district and apply for this pot of money quickly before the final closing date of 1 March 2013."

Coun John Hart, leader of Devon County Council, said: “I firmly believe decisions should be made as locally as possible to encourage local accountability and I have always advocated more partnership with our district, town and parish colleagues.”