EVESHAM Town Council approved £18,500 in grants this week going towards improving the area and upcoming events.

At a meeting of the council on Monday a proposal to give £15,000 to the Evesham Business Partnerships scheme was approved.

The initiative will replace the previous Market Town Partnership and there will be little difference between the two.

Shawn Riley, who is the manager of the partnerships, requested the money and said it would be used to attract investment in Evesham, to fund business support and development grants and for local distinctiveness.

Wychavon District Council have also contributed £30,000 towards the scheme.

Mayor of Evesham Charlie Homer said: "The majority of people were in support of it. Shawn told us not a lot would change in terms of the activities he undertakes and that money would be used to help the town."

The council also agreed to give £2,500 to the Evesham Festival of Music and £1,000 to the Asparawriting Festival.

Evesham Carnival also requested £300. This was deferred for them to come back with more information but the council were in support of the event.