Residents can apply to this fund to finance activities and ideas that will improve their surroundings and the way they live. Each area office is allocated an amount of money specifically for the improvement fund.

The area improvement fund cannot be used for repairs or major improvements such as new windows.

The main criteria for making an application are:

• The majority of neighbours must agree to the application
• The majority will benefit from the work

Here are some examples of applications made by residents' associations:

• Security lighting
• Wheel clamping
• Parking permits
• Car parking barriers and bollards
• Communal garden benches
• Anti-vandal paint
• Increasing the size of dustbins area
• Blocking off alleyways
• Secure drying area
• Mature shrubbery
• Flower boxes

If you are a Raglan resident and would like to make an application, or simply wish to find out more about the area improvement fund in your area, contact your housing officer or community initiative officer via the Housing Services Centre, by emailing hsc@raglan.org or calling 0845 070 7772.