Communities Fund 2014 - 2015
The Dartmoor Communities Fund was set up by the National Park Authority with funding received from West Devon Borough and South Hams District Councils for 2014/15. The Fund provided grant support for community-led projects that fell within the West Devon Borough and South Hams District areas of Dartmoor only.
The fund opened to applications during September 2014 and proved popular with a good range of applications being received. Total grant requests (£63,280) exceeded the funding available but by working with the applicants, it was possible to support all but one of the proposals received in each district/borough area.
Funding of nearly £40,000 was been made available to support a wide range of capital projects that ensure the long term viability of valued existing community facilities and services, or create new community infrastructure to meet identified community needs. In total projects of a value in excess of £200,000 were supported.
The projects awarded grant funding in 2014/15
South Hams
Bittaford Village Hall Committee was awarded £4,000 grant aid to support the development of the existing hall roof space to provide a room suitable for meetings with separate access, enabling multi use of the hall.
Holne Village Shop & Tearoom was awarded £1,522 grant aid to support energy efficiency, access and security improvements to the community owned village shop and tearoom.
South Brent Old School Centre was awarded £9,000 to support a range of improvements to increase capacity, flexibility and range of uses, including access improvements and other works to create additional functional space for community use including a community gym.
South Brent Recreation Association was awarded £6,000 grant aid to renew and improve the car park and access surfacing at the Pavillion and recreation ground at Palstone Park, South Brent.
West Devon
Drewsteignton Village Hall Committee awarded £4,152 grant aid to repair two of the grade 2 listed hall's three external doors which urgently need repair, returning the hall to a satisfactory condition, improving appearance, energy efficiency and security, enabling its continued use for community events and private hire.
Lydford Playground Project awarded £5,200 grant aid to support a traditional playground for younger children and a Multi-Use Games Area for older. By reducing the need for travel out of village to reach facilities and providing a resource for the primary school it will build community cohesion.
Postbridge Village Hall Committee awarded £ 6,500 grant aid to support the provision of an independent and secure water supply (borehole) for the hall and to expand the car park with improved entrance for year round use.
South Tawton Parish Council awarded £400 grant aid to renovate the interpretation Board at Ramsley Common, South Zeal which explains the history of Ramsley Copper Mine and the village of South Zeal for the benefit the local community and tourists alike.
Throwleigh Village Hall awarded £1,060.80 grant aid to undertake alterations to the World War 11 American steel Quonset hut which is now used as village hall to improve draught proofing, meet current fire and safety standards and provide a new exit ramp to meet access requirements and enable use of the hall by all.
Yelverton Village Park awarded £1,049 grant aid to extend the existing play equipment to meet the growing demand for additional play equipment from both local and adjacent parishes.