£134,000 allocated by West Oxfordshire District Council in grants to support local community projects
West Oxfordshire District Council (WODC) has allocated £134,472 of grant funding to a number of local projects to help them to continue to deliver or improve invaluable services to residents in the District.
WODC’s Community Facilities Grant allocates funding to a number of organisations providing sports and outdoor activities that benefit the local community. West Oxfordshire District Council approved the grants at a meeting of Cabinet on Wednesday 10th November 2021.
Cllr Jane Doughty Cabinet Member for Customer Delivery said, “It’s always fulfilling for me to see community groups benefiting directly from the Council’s Community Facilities Grants. Even when we are facing challenging financial circumstances it is so important to provide grants that directly benefit our communities.
“We promised communities that the Council would support healthy lifestyles and help to build strong local communities, and these grants deliver on that commitment.
“This money goes to organisations delivering ‘grass roots’ sporting and leisure facilities which have a positive and direct impact on our communities. The grants will enable these organisations to continue their good work and contribute to the wellbeing of those that use them.”
The Council has chosen to support the Stonesfield 1st Scouts as their project meets the Council’s priorities by promoting good physical and mental wellbeing for the whole community.
Stonesfield 1st Scouts recently had to demolish their scout hut when it became unsafe. The funding will enable the scouts to rebuild the hut, which will then provide a space for local groups. The hut will be used by the school and preschool, enabling them to access Forest Schools in a natural woodland setting which will have safe and easy access.
Local wildlife groups will also be able to use the facility as a base for nature walks and talks, allowing the community to engage in the local ecosystem.
A Stonesfield 1st Scouts spokesperson said, "We are delighted to receive this funding from West Oxfordshire District Council. There has never been a more crucial time to support the physical and mental health of our young people.
“Our new hut will provide them with a base to get outdoors, learn new skills and gain confidence. This grant puts our fundraising campaign on a very strong footing and we would like to thank the council for supporting this important facility for all of the community."
This is the second round of two Communities Facilities Grants for 2020/21. The grant award funds projects within the communities to meet the current and future needs and aspirations of residents within West Oxfordshire.
The total number of awards were six and were awarded to:
- Stonesfield Playing Field Association £6,250
- 1st Stonesfield Scouts £36,750
- Witney Rugby Club £50,000
- Ducklington Parish Council £28,772
- Witney Mills Cricket Club £2,700
- Filkins Village Centre £10,000
Total funding £134,472