MORE than £88,000 of funding is to be spent on public open space projects in Chulmleigh.

At a full meeting of North Devon Council members on November 21, councillors agreed to allocate £88,258 of S106 funding (from the money paid to the council by developers as part of planning conditions) from the Leigh Road development.

The funding will go towards five projects which will improve play equipment, open spaces and sports facilities in the town.

The sum of £30,000 will provide for a new adventure play area at Chulmleigh playing field for toddlers and children aged up to 16 with 22 items of equipment and safety surfacing.

A total of £28,916 will be used to install new flooring and heating in the pavilion at Chulmleigh playing field to provide investment to secure future use of the building.

Fencing to create a dedicated dog exercise area at Chulmleigh playing field will be provided thanks to funding of £6,566.

The sum of £15,000 is to be provided for the enhancement of Davy Park, including new footpaths, a picnic area with seating and new benches around the park to create a more attractive open space with improved accessibility.

Funding of £7,776 will go towards the cost of new wooden fencing for Chulmleigh Cricket Club.

Executive Member for Parks, Leisure and Culture, Councillor Dick Jones, says: “I’m very pleased to see this funding distributed towards these open space improvements for Chulmleigh.

“S106 contributions, made as part of major planning applications, allow the council to give something back to the community and help projects to receive funding that can be vital to help provide much needed facilities.”

Local ward member for Chulmleigh, Councillor Sue Croft, says: “This S106 funding has been warmly welcomed by Chulmleigh people as it helps provide and improve excellent outdoor leisure facilities for all ages that they have chosen.

“The renovation of Davy Park and the Adventure Playground have been a long time coming -  and Chulmleigh thanks everyone involved.”

The projects were identified following a community survey with residents to find out what facilities they would like to see in the town.