The 'Vital Villages' initiative aims to help rural communities to tackle some of the problems they face, such as a lack of childcare provision and local transport needs. Four grants are available through the programme - community service grants to help maintain or introduce services such as a childcare scheme or help a village shop; parish plans grants to fund the creation of action plans to examine and tackle the social, economic and environmental issues facing a village; parish transport grants to support small-scale projects to meet the transport needs of the local community; and rural transport grants to enable the creation of local partnerships to plan and implement solutions to local transport needs.
Countryside Agency chair Ewen Cameron said, 'The work of our Vital Villages programme will focus on helping communities to solve a variety of the challenges villages face in the 21st century. We will help communities to take stock of their position and the problems they face, and create an action plan to address their own needs. We will also provide advice and funding for villages who wish to improve local transport and essential services.'
A Countryside Agency community services grant has helped save the Rainbow children's nursery in Worstead, Norfolk, from closure. The nursery building was put up for sale by its owner and the 19,000 grant has been put towards buying the original site in North Walsham. The nursery is currently in a local hall and serves around 20 local villages and the local town.
Another recipient of a grant was Netherton Village Hall in Pershore, Worcestershire, which received 15,000 towards its construction. Facilities include a kindergarten, IT room and part-time post office.
To apply for a grant scheme or information pack, contact 0870 333 0170.
