Two councils are working together to provide new coronavirus emergency support funding for charities and community groups.

Watford Borough Council is working with Hertfordshire County Council to support local charities alongside voluntary and community sector organisations through the coronavirus pandemic.

The new emergency support funding will range from £3,000 to £10,000, with the funds set to help the needs of vulnerable people and communities.

The locality response funding in the town will be achieved through the Neighbourhood Locality Budgets, County Councillor Budgets and the Mayor's Small Grants Fund.

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The council says the aim is to provide funding that will be used to combat isolation and provide practical help for vulnerable people including routine pharmacy services and food services - and to help co-ordinate council and voluntary sector services in the town.

Mayor of Watford Peter Taylor said: "I am delighted that we are able to give a helping hand to our wonderful community groups who are doing so much to support people in our town at this difficult time.

"These funds are first-come, first-served - so get in touch now if you are a local charity or community groups that is working to help people in Watford. I'm really proud of the way our town has come together to help one another."

The council says decisions will be made promptly to ensure it can release funds quickly and is urging charities and organisations to visit the webpages below and contact their local borough or county councillor:

• www.watford.gov.uk/mayors-smallgrants 

• www.watford.gov.uk/neighbourhoodlocalityfunds 

• www.hertfordshire.gov.uk./localitybudgets