Spending money is fun.  Spending other people’s money is more fun.  Spending the government’s money is even better, especially when that money is going to spent by Westborough people in our own community.

Tonight I chaired a panel of people who live or work in Westborough and who are going to look at bids from local groups for projects to help people make better choices about the way they travel, improve their access to jobs and skills or to encourage people to live healthier lives or any combination of them.

There will be two types of bid: the first is small bids for up to £3000 and the second is for larger bids of between £15000 and £50000.  The panel will decide on which of the small bids will be given some funding.  We will be organising a community event during which people living in Westborough will be able to choose which of the larger bids is selected.  We want to make the community event a real family occasion with something for everyone – activities for children and grownups.

Anyone who is interested in knowing more about it should get in touch with travelsmart@surreycc.gov.uk or telephone 03456 009 009.

From talking to people in Westborough, I know that there are lots of ideas about how things could be made better.  Now is the time to let us know about it and maybe get some money to make it happen.