A SECOND round of funding to support community buildings at the heart of life in West Devon is now open — with organisations encouraged to apply for a share of this competitive fund.

West Devon Borough Council’s Community Halls Capital Grant Fund reopened on April 7.

The programme offers capital funding for village halls and community centres to help improve, modernise and future-proof their facilities.

Grants are available for one-off capital projects that strengthen the long-term sustainability of these valued spaces. This could include essential building works, upgrades to key facilities, or improvements that increase accessibility and usability.

Cllr Jane Elliott, Lead Member for Community Wellbeing, said: “Our village halls and community centres are a vital hub for local life, bringing people together and supporting a wide range of activities.

“This funding provides an important opportunity for organisations to secure support for essential improvements. As demand is expected to be high, I would strongly encourage applicants to read the eligibility criteria carefully and submit well-prepared applications.”

Applications are open until May 12 at midnight. To apply and find out more, click here: https://www.westdevon.gov.uk/community-grants-and-funding/community-halls-capital-grant-fund

The first round of funding, awarded last year, supported a range of projects across the borough — including essential building repairs, improved accessibility, and upgrades to facilities that help reduce running costs and increase community use.

These include:

• Preserving the Long Room at the Drewe Arms, Drewsteignton – The Long Room is used for community events and activities, and the fund has helped to pay for essential works to address issues such as extensive damp, which are threatening the integrity of the building

• Sheepstor Village Hall – Installation of a solar panel system, which should reduce running costs and help the building be used more in the winter months, as heating costs currently make it prohibitive

Lewdown Victory Hall and others also received funding.