Funding pot available to help countryside areas spruce up their community buildings - or even get a new one

MANAGERS of village halls across rural East Devon are being urged to follow Uplyme’s example - and grab a share of council funding.

The district authority is again offering money towards decorating and improving community buildings - and will even chip in towards the cost of a new one.

The grants – restricted to country areas, not towns - have been available from EDDC for some years, but have always previously been administered by the Community Council of Devon.

Previously successful projects have included an extension at Uplyme Village Hall and the re-roofing and refurbishment of a kitchen at Newton Poppleford Village Hall.

Management teams can apply for a maximum of �5,000 and there must be match funding available of at least twice the amount of the funding from other sources plus local fundraising.

So, for a grant of �5,000 a community would need to show that you can obtain �10,000 from elsewhere.

Councillor David Cox, chairman of the community fund panel, said: “In our rural areas, halls and community buildings are often at the very heart of the village and may be the only communal facility available to residents. East Devon District Council recognises their importance and continues to support them.”

The closing date for applications for the latest round of funding is Friday March 16.

To find out more go to: http://www.eastdevon.gov.uk/community_buildings_funding_in_east_devon or phone Jamie Buckley, Community Engagement and Funding Officer on (01395) 517 569 or e-mail jbuckley@eastdevon.gov.uk