Grants given out to help groups

COMMUNITY groups and organisations in south Norfolk have received a funding boost after more than �90,000 of grants was handed out by district councillors.

COMMUNITY groups and organisations in south Norfolk have received a funding boost after more than �90,000 of grants was handed out by district councillors.

South Norfolk Council received applications totalling more than �150,000 for its neighbourhood fund, but was only able to distribute �12,000 to four projects after its budget was squeezed as a result of the recession.

The local authority's loans and grants panel yesterday agreed to give �5,000 towards the upgrade of Hether-sett Jubilee Youth Centre, �4,500 to the refurbishment of Hardley Village Hall, near Loddon, �2,000 for the repair of the thatched roof at Saxlingham Nethergate village hall, and �860 towards the purchase of allotments at Stoke Holy Cross.

A further �82,000 was awarded by the council from its key partnership and core funding applications, involving 18 organisations ranging from Easton College to Shaping Norfolk's Future and the Citizens' Advice Bureau.

Councillors agreed to contribute �12,500 to the management of Whitlingham Country Park, �4,250 to Creative Arts East, and a total of �12,000 to TICs in Wymondham, Harleston, and Loddon.

David Goldson, chairman of the grants panel, said the �82,000 was critical to deliver the district coun-cil's priorities for the community.

“We are always conscious of the large number of community groups and organisations who come to us for support, especially in these difficult times. But we are not immune from this recession, and we are looking to give support where it will be most effective and for those most in need,” he said.