Hackbridge businesses have been given a £150,000 boost by the EU to make them greener and more cost effective.

The grant will be used by Sutton Council to reduce the environmental impact of 45 businesses in the area.

Working with environmental charity BioRegional, the council will be giving those businesses the skills they need to reduce their impact on the environment and make the most of the opportunities available to greener businesses.

Businesses taking part will also receive a free audit and advice session to help them reduce energy and water bills, cut waste, and join together to buy services more efficiently. A forum will be set up to help with networking and ideas sharing.

The grant is being provided by the EU through the London Development Agency's European Regional Development Fund.

It is the latest boost for the Hackbridge community, which has been working with the council to turn the area into the UK's first sustainable suburb.

Councillor Colin Hall, executive member for environment and climate change, said: “We have an ambitious vision to make Hackbridge the UK’s most sustainable place to live and work.

“This funding grant marks an important step in this project. Greener businesses save money and help the environment.”

As part of the Hackbridge project over 1,500 zero carbon homes will be built and existing houses will be retrospectively fitted to minimise their carbon footprint.

The council has also said it will prioritise sustainable transport in the area with more cycle roads, better bus and train links and the provision of electric vehicle plug in sites.

Residents will also be able to buy affordable, low carbon, locally grown food through the One Planet Food project .

Phillipa Ward is manager of the Greening Businesses in Hackbridge Project at BioRegional. She said: “Times are tough, so it’s a great time for businesses to learn about the benefits of being green.

“Cutting waste and saving energy can help local businesses run more efficiently and we’re excited about working with them.”