Communities in East Devon who're planning building or renovation projects for local facilities are being encouraged to apply for financial help from East Devon District Council.

Its Community Buildings Fund helps to finance projects for village halls, community buildings and community shops by offering grants of up to £5,000. Projects in East Devon's villages and rural areas are eligible – those in an area covered by a town council are not.

The scheme can help pay for improvements such as new or better toilet facilities, kitchen facilities, roof repairs, heating and new door fixtures.

In a previous round of grants, Newton Poppleford Pavilion received £2,000 to pay towards replacing its windows, door and other woodwork, some of which was rotten. The improvements make the hall more energy-efficient and secure.

Cllr Jack Rowland, Chair of East Devon District Council's Community Grants Panel, said: "This example perfectly illustrates the help that can be given from this fund to make improvements to eligible community buildings.

"As we hopefully continue to emerge from the impact of Covid, the benefit of having community buildings that are fit for purpose will be of even greater importance in the future."

The next closing dates for applications are 5pm Wednesday 28 July 2021 and 5pm Friday 14 January 2022. However, there is only limited funding available, so if it is all awarded in July there will be none available in January.

For more information and application forms, visit the Community Building Fund page of East Devon District Council's website.