Bicester Town Council has launched a £20,000 emergency grant fund to support the town’s community.

Grants of up to £500 each are available to organisations in the town that are helping the community through the coronavirus pandemic.

Applications are invited from groups, clubs, committees and charities who are either based in Bicester, or directly support people in the town. It is not open to individuals or profit-making businesses and organisations.

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The council is looking to support groups who are directly helping people to combat the effects of COVID-19. Decisions on cash grants will be made within seven days, and payment will be made into bank accounts as soon as possible.

Town council leader Richard Mould said: “We would like to invite groups and organisations across Bicester to apply for financial help for the work they are doing to support people who have been impacted by the coronavirus.

“We know many people have joined volunteer groups to help those who are vulnerable to the virus or self-isolating and we commend them. However, we also know there are organisations in the town who are struggling to continue supporting people and its those organisations who should apply for this special funding.”

To apply go to www.bicester.gov.uk/covid-19-grant-application/.