A NEW fund to help community projects and organisations in Malvern has been approved.

The Connected Communities Strategy will help transform the way the council works with residents, voluntary and community groups, as well as supporting projects around the themes of places, people and supporting charities and social enterprises.

Projects will be brought forward to consider for funding, but some of the money will be spent on a new crowdfunding scheme to continue the council's investment in community projects.

There will also be a new digital platform to improve engagement with residents, so they play a greater role in how their neighbourhood develops.

The new Connected Communities strategy, created by Malvern Hills District Council, was approved by councillors at an Executive Committee meeting on Tuesday 23 November 2021.

The strategy forms part of the council's five-year plan commitment to "develop and implement an asset-based community development strategy which supports the building of strong, resilient and sustainable communities."

Cllr Tom Wells, portfolio holder for community services, said: "We believe that residents know best about their own communities.

"Our strategy places much more emphasis on developing stronger relationships with residents to support them to make a difference in their communities.

"Building closer relationships across a wide range of communities, not only with our town and parish councils, but also with other local groups and organisations, has helped us to understand our local landscape, but this is only the start.

"Our voluntary and community sector partners play an immensely important role, helping to identify, give voice to and response to needs across our communities."