Communities in North East Derbyshire District are set to benefit from improvements to local parks and play areas, community venues and increased provision of social and financial inclusion support.
These improvements will be through the second wave of grants from the North East Derbyshire UK Shared Prosperity Fund programme.
In excess of £100,000 has been awarded to 14 organisations through the Village Halls and Community Venues (VHCV) scheme including Ashover, Holymoorside & Walton, Killamarsh and Unstone Parish Councils, Walton Village Society, Coal Aston Village Hall, Cutthorpe Cricket Club, Killamarsh Methodist Church and Stonebroom Community Centre.
The funding will be used for renovations to help increase capacity, sustainability and energy efficiency.
A further £146,000 of grant funding has also been offered to 10 Parish Councils to upgrade local play facilities through the second round of the Quality Parks and Play Areas (QPPA) priority whilst £150,000 has been awarded to projects which will provide residents with support and advice on issues such as cost of living, energy, digital training and encouraging social inclusion.
North East Derbyshire District Council Cabinet Member for Leisure, Communities and Communications, Cllr Alan Powell, said “This grant funding is an incredible opportunity to transform our parks and play areas for our residents and their children so as many people as possible can benefit from the improvements. Enhancing our village halls will create spaces that can be enjoyed by local people and visitors alike.”
North East Derbyshire District Council Leader, Cllr Alex Dale added “These investments are all about levelling up North East Derbyshire at a grassroots level. We are investing in our parks, play areas and village halls, as well as the voluntary sector, because we recognise these are the hearts and hubs of our communities, supporting our children to play and giving our residents places to enjoy, socialise, learn new skills and meet new friends.”
Details of future North East Derbyshire UKSPF bidding rounds, including the Shop Front Enhancement Scheme, will be publicised on the UK Shared Prosperity Fund pages of the Council’s website and through its social media.