A handyman service for people who need odd jobs doing around the home has been launched by Epsom and Ewell Borough Council.

A grant of £13,000 has been awarded by Surrey Supporting People and Surrey’s Primary Care Trust for the council to provide a subsidised service to vulnerable and disabled residents.

A number of traders – who have all passed criminal records bureau and insurance checks – have joined the scheme and done work including plumbing, electrical jobs, garden clearance, decorating and fixing grab rails and key safe boxes.

Anyone can use the traders listed on the council’s list. To apply for a subsidised rate or free service, residents need to be homeowners and either disabled and on a means-tested benefit, aged 65 or over and on a means tested benefit, or aged 85 and over.

The council may pay up to 50 per cent of the works (up to a maximum of £150) or, where work is needed for health and safety or security the full cost if less than £75.

Funding has been secured for the next two years but the council hopes to secure it on a long-term basis.

For details call 01372 732000.