A NEW village hall for Honeybourne has moved a step closer after the parish council was handed a share of £844,600 Government grant by Wychavon council chiefs.
Members of the district council’s Executive Board approved the first round of Community Legacy Grants to eight parish councils for projects including a children’s play area, new village halls and a pavilion.
The Community Legacy Grant scheme, which is open to parish and town councils, is a £3million fund for innovative, ambitious, viable capital projects which meet local needs and that will create a significant community legacy.
The scheme can also provide start-up funding for smaller, innovative schemes and is funded through some of the New Homes Bonus payments Wychavon receives from the Government.
Honeybourne Parish Council was given £150,000 for a more centrally located village hall which will provide increased opportunities to support vulnerable groups while Whittington Parish Council received £300,000 to provide a modern, eco-friendly, sustainable village hall where the community can meet and use it for a variety of activities and functions.
Kemerton Parish Council scooped £125,000 for significant refurbishment of the village hall including a new entrance, heating system, fully-equipped kitchen and more while Pebworth Parish Council was handed £100,000 to extend and refurbish the village hall.
A new children’s pay area in the grounds of the village hall will be possible for Peopleton Parish Council with a £81,300 cash injection while Fladbury Parish Council scooped £36,500 to improve the village hall with a new heating system and broadband installation.
Rous Lench Parish Council was given £26,800 for the Heart of the Village project which aims to upgrade the village hall and make the most of its Victorian heritage and Hanbury Parish Council got £25,000 for a new, fully-equipped pavilion on the recreation ground.
Jack Hegarty, managing director of Wychavon District Council, said: “This is great news for our communities across the district. Our substantial investment will make a real and lasting difference to the residents in these eight parishes.”
The Community Legacy Grant scheme contributes to Wychavon’s goal of supporting and engaging with communities. The second round of bids will open this summer.
