Community projects linked to shopping parades across Ipswich could receive up to £20,000 to improve their facilities.

The scheme uses a portion of the £25million from the Town Deal fund granted to Ipswich by the government to boost the town's economy.

Projects are being encouraged to apply for a share of the cash to upgrade community facilities for people visiting their nearby shopping parade.

Community organisations with a strong geographical link to shopping parades that can evidence how the money will benefit those using the parade will be eligible for the funding.

Up to £20,000 per project is available for one-off capital costs – but for projects with significant impact, more money could be available.

Ipswich Star: A shopping parade in Woodbridge Road East, IpswichA shopping parade in Woodbridge Road East, Ipswich (Image: Ipswich Borough Council)

Following a short assessment process, projects which best meet best the needs of the local area will be asked to develop full proposals.

Organisations are being urged to contact Ipswich Borough Council to apply before the deadline for funding of Thursday, June 15.

Dr Dan Poulter, Central Suffolk and North Ipswich MP, said: "As the creator of this project, I am pleased that this next round of funding is now open.

"The shopping parades project will help local shops in the heart of Ipswich’s communities in areas like Whitton to attract more customers, and I would urge local shopkeepers to bid for their share of the funding."

Ipswich Star: Central Suffolk and North Ipswich MP Dr Dan PoulterCentral Suffolk and North Ipswich MP Dr Dan Poulter (Image: Sarah Lucy Brown)

Ipswich MP Tom Hunt added: "I have been speaking with many businesses and residents surrounding the local shopping parades about what improvements they want to see in our local area and I know that this funding will transform many of these into more attractive hubs for our community."

Bryony Rudkin, deputy leader of Ipswich Borough Council and portfolio holder for strategy and transformation, said: "The Towns Fund provides much needed investment to shopping parades which provide important services to our local communities, so we hope as many community projects can benefit from the funding as possible."