PROPOSALS to establish a £50,000 fund to support communities in Darlington is due to be discussed tonight.

Darlington Borough Council is considering the proposal for a one-year pilot for a "stronger communities fund", aimed at helping local projects and initiatives.

It would see each councillor allocated £1,000 to support projects within the areas they represent.

Councillor Jonathan Dulston, the council's deputy leader, said: “The Stronger Communities Fund is designed to help fund grass root local projects or initiatives that support our residents and communities.

“It will enable members across the borough to respond to and support issues that have a positive impact in their communities and I hope members across all parties will welcome this initiative and make use of it in their wards.”

If approved, councillors will be able to merge their share of the fund with other councillors within their ward if they wish.