Communities from Hinksey to Hendred and Botley to Blewbury have benefited from over £107,000 in grants awarded by Vale of White Horse District Council this month.
Out of the total amount, the district council has given £55,306 to communities close to where new homes have been built.
Councillor Charlotte Dickson, cabinet member for grants at Vale of White Horse District Council said, “We are delighted to be able to give so much support to local community groups, parish councils and clubs throughout the district – it’s particularly important that we’re supporting communities that are growing due to new developments in the Vale.”
£10,833 was awarded to Stanford in the Vale Parish Council towards removing a large electricity pylon from a 19-acre site so they can start using the space as a recreation area. There are plans to build a new community building, sports pitches and play areas for the whole community to enjoy.
Grants totalling £6,050 have been awarded to refurbish the Royal British Legion clubs in Abingdon and East Challow – a popular venue for lots of community events for residents.
A spokesperson from Challow Royal British Legion said, “Being awarded this grant will allow the committee to agree the necessary roof repairs sooner than expected. This well-used hall is a social hub for the area and the improvements to the club will be appreciated by all club users.”
Kennington Parish Council received £4,750 to help them to forge ahead with new plans and designs for a brand-new pavilion, a much-needed facility which will be used by local clubs for sports and recreational activities.
Other donations include:
- St Peter and Paul Church in North Hinksey who were given £4,088 to improve the heating, toilets and windows for community use,
- Snells Hall in East Hendred received just over £1,000 to help upgrade their lighting,
- Botley Bridges were awarded £1,518 to support three ten-week family improvement courses and,
- Blewbury Parish Council had £6,257 for installing a ‘trim trail’ – a range of equipment offering physical activity for the whole community on their recreation ground.
- Watchfield Parish Council received £11,146 to improve their play area and to buy a defibrillator to be placed nearby.
The cash came from two funds, both of which are available to not-for-profit organisations for one-off projects that benefit the wider local community.
The district council also provides financial support for community festivals and events happening in the local area. For more information on all the grants the district council offer, visit www.whitehorsedc.gov.uk/grants.
