COMMUNITY projects are set to receive a huge cash boost thanks to the borough council.

At a meeting of Test Valley Borough Council's cabinet on December 5 members voted to award a share of £500,000 to six schemes.

The funding will be awarded from the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) reserve, which is collected from new developments in the area to go towards improving infrastructure, facilities and services across the borough.

Amongst the successful projects is the bid to build a new building to house a pre-school and community centre by King's Somborne Parish Council which will receive £100,000.

Hurstbourne Parish Council is set to pick up £15,000 to help repair the River Swift riverbed as part of the Bourne Valley flood alleviation scheme and Barton Stacey Parish Council will get £35,000 towards a multi-use games area for play and exercise.

While in Romsey £25,000 will be awarded to the Environment Agency for a flood alleviation scheme for Greatbridge Road and the Mainstone area of the town and £270,000 will be used to help deliver a shared pedestrian and cycle route along Southampton Road.

The council has also allocated £35,000 for the provision of an informal crossing point on Botley Road near the new Co-op food store.

The £25,000 towards the flood alleviation scheme will be added to funding already provided by the Environment Agency, Hampshire County Council and Test Valley Borough Council.

Planning portfolio holder, Councillor Nick Adams-King, said: "This money will help to deliver a range of great community projects across the borough. The money collected through CIL helps offset the impact of development in Test Valley by funding essential infrastructure in the area, which will be of significant benefit to to everyone who lives, works and comes to enjoy Test Valley."