HASLEMERE Town Council is setting up a charitable organisation to fund any grants it would like to make, to avoid drawing down on its revenue income in future.

Councillor Malcolm Carter proposed the scheme, which has ben adopted by other councils, at the last full council meeting and it was backed by members.

“There are a lot more demands for our funds than there are funds to give,” he said. “There is a fair amount of money available if funding is deemed charitable.

“Charitable organisations receive grants more easily than a town council.

“We could set up one for this geographical area and the town council could run it. It would look at all aspects of the town and attempt to raise money for projects through large funds available. “There are all sorts of grants if you have a vehicle to handle it. Many councils have charities and work side by side.”

Welcoming the initiative, councillor Michael Dover said: “This is an excellent idea. There is considerable scope for us to recruit some of our voluntary fundraisers. There are plenty with lots of experience, who would be delighted to help.”

Members agreed to pay £1,500 from community funds towards the initial set-up costs of starting a charity.