WITHERIDGE Parish Council is one of the lucky recipients of a share of £180,000 of funding from North Devon Council.

Improvements to community amenities across North Devon are where the district council has been allocated money.

At a meeting of North Devon Council’s Strategy and Resources Committee on Monday, March 6, councillors agreed to allocate the money, which will be used towards open space projects in the wards of Atherington, Bishops Nympton, Heanton Punchardon, Mortehoe, Witheridge and Braunton:

• £23,744 Atherington Parish Council towards the construction of an adventure trim trail and sensory garden at Atherington Playing Field

• £20,000 to Bishops Nympton Parish Hall towards the purchase and installation of an air source heat pump and solar PV

• £17,122 to North Devon Homes towards the purchase and installation of new adventure play equipment and safety surfacing at Barn Park Play Area, Hart Manor, Braunton (Heanton Punchardon Ward)

• £30,117 to Mortehoe Parish Council to purchase and install new play equipment at Woolacombe Play Area and Mortehoe Play Area; and improved skate facilities at Meadow Playing Fields, Woolacombe

• £17,000 to Witheridge Parish Council to purchase and install play area fencing at Witheridge Village Hall

• £66,371 to Braunton Parish Council to purchase and install new play equipment and make public realm improvements at Recreation Ground, Braunton

• £6,928 to Braunton Parish Council to purchase and install new play equipment at Knowle Play Park, Winsham Road.

Leader of North Devon Council, Councillor David Worden, says: "I am thrilled that we are able to provide funding for these public amenities through S106 funding.”

He explained: "Witheridge Parish Council plan to improve child safety at the Witheridge Village Hall Play Area with their granted funding. The installation of bow-top fencing will take place, which will help prevent children from running into the adjacent car park.

"Each project is marvellous and I truly believe each of them will bring great benefits to our community. I look forward to seeing them progress."

Under Section 106 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, contributions can be sought from developers towards the costs of providing extra community and social infrastructure as a result of the impact of new development in the area. These contributions can only be used for certain things, and are used primarily for public open space projects.