Witney News - Grants up to £50,000 to help communities improve facilities

Grants up to £50,000 to help communities improve facilities

Communities in West Oxfordshire have the chance to apply for grants up to £50,000 to help improve facilities that benefit residents and visitors.

West Oxfordshire District Council is offering the grants to help local communities either enhance or create new facilities, such as village halls, play areas and sports clubs.

Cllr Richard Langridge, Cabinet Member for Communities, said: “We know that facilities like halls and play areas are at the heart of many communities and we are very proud to offer these grants to help with improvements.

“As well as offering a substantial level of funding, support given by our Council unlocks further opportunities for groups and organisations to secure additional financial backing through grants from other bodies, and this can be key to the success of their project.”

The Community Facilities Grants for 2014/15 will be allocated over two rounds. Applications are now open until Tuesday 22 April for the first round of grants.

During 2013/14, £206,982 grants have been allocated for a variety of projects.

Witney Town Bowls Club received a £37,349 grant towards building a new multi-use sports pavilion to replace its outdated wooden building at The Leys recreation ground in Witney.

Building work started in January and is expected to be complete by August, giving the club a modern base which will be used all year round. The project is costing around £273,000 and has taken four years to come to fruition.

Alan Scholan, Club committee member, said: “We’re very grateful to the District Council. Its support gave us leverage to secure funds from other organisations and has put us in a position to press on with the work. We also gained a lot of advice from the Council on grants applications and found the whole planning process a smooth experience. We’re really looking forward to seeing the building finished now.”

Application forms for Community Facilities Grants can be downloaded via www.westoxon.gov.uk/communities and further information is available by calling 01993 861080.