A COUNCIL has pledged its continued support to vital community services.

Eastleigh Borough Council’s Cabinet has approved funding of nearly £270,000 towards One Community and the local Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB).

Another 27 local organisations were awarded community grants including voluntary organisations, trusts, community groups, friendly societies and social enterprises.

The grants are awarded on an annual basis.

One Community, which supports more than 200 other voluntary organisations within the borough including help with legal issues, as well as applying for grants and training, will receive £80,000 for 2014/2015.

This compares with £78,000 last year.

The CAB gives free independent and confidential help and advice to local people and last year saw more than 4,600 people on issues like benefits, debt, employment, relationships and housing.

It will get £178,000, up from £174,000 last year.