Witney News - Grants up to £50k available for community improvements

Grants up to £50k available for community improvements

Communities once again have the chance to apply for grants up to £50,000 from West Oxfordshire District Council, to help improve facilities that benefit local people.

The Council’s Community Facilities Grant (CFG) can be used to enhance or create new facilities, such as village halls, play areas and sports clubs.

The Council set aside £200,000 of its budget for the grant scheme in 2015/16 and funding is being allocated over two rounds; the first took place in the spring when over £65,000 of grant funding was agreed.

The deadline for the second round of grants is Tuesday 15 September.

Cllr James Mills, Cabinet Member responsible for Leisure, said: “Local facilities, such as village halls and recreation parks, play an important part of community life, which is why we remain committed to supporting their upkeep and development. Our grant support can unlock further funding opportunities from other sources, enabling a planned project to go-ahead and become a reality.”

In 2014/15, fifteen schemes were grant aided resulting in a total investment of over £6m into local schemes. The leverage effect being that for ever pound grant aided by the Council, £19.14 of external or community funding is released from other sources for community facilities.

Five communities have already been supported by CFGs this year, with projects ranging from a major scheme to modernise a popular community facility in Long Hanborough to smaller-scale projects including an outdoor gym and slide at Hailey Recreation Ground and building a storage area at Kencot Village Hall.

Application forms are available via the Council’s website www.westoxon.gov.uk/communities. For more information, call 01993 861080.