At a meeting of SNC’s Cabinet on Monday, 12 June members approved recommendations from the council’s Community Funding Panel for; £130,000 towards a new village hall in Syresham, £127,461 towards a new building for King’s Sutton pre-school, £34,997 towards building renovations for Towcester Studio Band and £28,700 towards developing new floodlights and a playing field for Towcestrians Rugby Club.

Cllr Peter Rawlinson, SNC’s portfolio holder for finance and procurement, said: “We are always looking for positive avenues to encourage and contribute towards the health and wellbeing of the district.

“By awarding these grants we are able to give back to the community by providing the capital they need to improve facilities or even help towards the construction of new buildings.

“The difference this funding can make to communities in the district is immeasurable.”

Applications under £1,000 are determined by officers and may be submitted at any time. Those over £1,000 are heard by the Community Funding Panel which meets on a regular basis, and any over £20,000 are reviewed by the Community Funding Panel and referred to Cabinet for determination.

The vast majority of community grants are funded by the New Homes Bonus (NHB), a grant paid to local authorities by central government for each new home built in the district.

A wide range of projects and activities may be eligible for help, including capital projects (buildings and infrastructure), as well as smaller projects such as supporting the purchase of much needed equipment or the delivery of local schemes.

For more information on grants available from SNC and how to apply, visit the community grants page www.southnorthants.gov.uk/grantscommunity.htm contact the Grants Officer, Katie Arnold on 01327 322216 or email katie.arnold@southnorthants.gov.uk

The next deadline for grant applications is Thursday, 31 August 2017.