£5,000 for East Devon's Rural Communities

Rural communities in East Devon could see up to £5,000 of funding from the district council to build or improve village halls and community shops.

The grants can be used to help refurbish, improve or even build village halls, community shops and community buildings in rural areas (those in towns are not eligible).
EDDC Councillor David Cox, who sits on the grant decision-making 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 grants have been available from EDDC for some years, but have previously been administered by the Community Council of Devon.

Successful projects in the past have included improvements to the stage at Clyst St Mary Village Hall, re-roofing at Poltimore Village Hall and kitchen and toilet upgrades at Woodbury Village Hall.

Communities 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 fund-raising.

This grants scheme is open to all multi-use community buildings in villages and rural areas in the area covered by East Devon District Council. Community shops in villages and rural areas can also apply.
Community buildings must be multi-use (minimum of three separate user groups), with open community access, and owned and/ or managed by the community. 

The closing dates are 30 July 2014 and 28 November 2014.

To find out more go to: www.eastdevon.gov.uk/communitybuildingsfund or phone Jamie Buckley, Community Engagement and Funding Officer, on (01395) 517569 or e-mail jbuckley@eastdevon.gov.uk