26 March 1998

174 Village Halls and Community Centres benefit in National Lottery Charities Board's £9.8 million giveaway

The National Lottery Charities Board has awarded £9.8 million to 174 village halls and community centres throughout England.

The grants will be used for the repair, modification or expansion of existing facilities. In some cases awards will enable the construction of new premises.

The announcement comes in the latest round of grants awarded across England by the Charities Board. A total of £100 million has been awarded in 1,002 grants as part of the Board’s fifth grants programme, Improving people's living environment and Voluntary sector development.

Janet Paraskeva, National Lottery Charities Board Director for England, comments: ‘Village halls and community centres provide a place for recreational, cultural and social activities for communities in rural and urban areas. These grants will help increase the use of these important buildings for everyone.’

Stella Clarke, Chair of the England grant making committee, welcomed the grants: ‘This is good news for the voluntary sector and for thousands of people and communities in England. I am delighted that we have been able to award grants to so many excellent projects and I am particularly pleased that we have again made many grants which will improve the quality of life in local communities.’

The Coppice Neighbourhood Group, based in Oldham, will refurbish and extend the use of a community centre as well as employ three workers with their £425,000 award. With their £250,000 award the High Lane War Memorial Village Hall in East Yorkshire will be rebuilt after it was destroyed by fire.

To interview grant recipients or to speak to Janet Paraskeva or Stella Clarke, telephone the press office on 0171 747 5200.