£500,000 boost for local group projects

Developers’ money helps fund new initiatives across district

COMMUNITY groups across West Berkshire have received almost £500,000 in funds to spend on improvements.

West Berkshire Council approved £495,519 in grants for local infrastructure projects proposed by groups for the benefit of their residents and businesses.

The successful bids included the renovation of village halls, clubs and Scout halls, as well as improving sporting and playground facilities, to be implemented by March 31, 2022.

In a first for the council, the grants, which range from £10,000 to £100,000, will be paid from the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) fund set aside in its 2021-22 budget.

CIL is money paid by developers to fund new infrastructure.

Executive member for finance and economic development Ross Mackinnon (Con, Bradfield) said: “We are very keen to ensure that the right infrastructure is in place to support the district, particularly as we embark now on plans for our recovery post Covid.

“Aligned with this approach, we invited community groups to bid for projects at a local level given their insights into the needs of residents and businesses in their area.

“We congratulate the successful bidding groups for their excellent ideas for projects to enhance West Berkshire as a great place to live, work and learn.”

Funding went to:

1st Ufton Nervet Scout Group – The Spire community space, Ufton Nervet (£68,032)

1st Wash Common Scout Group – New Scout hall (£100,000)

Burghfield Parish Council – Burghfield village hall (£34,000)

East Ilsley Parish Council – East Ilsley pond restoration (£14,122)

Gladstone Memorial Trust – Kintbury village playground equipment enhancement (£12,081)

Hermitage Village Hall CIO Trustees – Hermitage Village Hall completion (£28,571)

Inkpen Memorial Playing Field Trust – Sports and community equipment storage building (£15,000)

Newbury Cricket Club – Clubhouse re-development (£36,812)

Newbury Town Council – Promoting ‘Active Travel’ to Newbury town (£11,500)

Pangbourne & District Tennis Club – Pangbourne Tennis Club –

New surface for courts (£12,000)

Purley-on-Thames Parish Council – Replacement of outdoor gym equipment and enhancement of play equipment (£16,955)

SUN Village Hall Trustees – Hall redevelopment to ensure it has a future (£10,000)

Tilehurst Parish Council – Provision of new multi-purpose community hub through refurbishment (£50,000)

Trustees of Bradfield Village Hall – The preparation of documents, drawings, and technical design to allow trustees to tender for a new village hall, playground, multi-use games area and site improvements (£59,700)

Victory Room Trustees – Victory Room refurbishment and extension (£15,045)

West Ilsley Cricket Club and West Ilsley Recreation and Social Association – West Ilsley community cricket nets project (£11,700).

We are very keen to ensure that the right infrastructure is in place to support the district