Rural projects backed with half a million pounds of council cash

Richmondshire Council has already given out more than £200,000 from the fund and is inviting applications from the rest.

The total available represents a drop on the £600,000 put in the Communities Opportunities Fund last year but the council insists that is a positive result given the financial pressures facing all local authorities.

Council leader John Blackie said: “I am delighted as a result of our prudent financial management of the Ccouncil that we have been able to allocate £550,000 for this year for our Communities Opportunities Fund.

“Last year the fund was responsible for a really impressive track record of projects both large and small but with the common objective of making a difference within their target communities. 

“And oh boy what a difference we have made and there is every intention of having a greater impact across the district in the next 12 months.”

Projects already supported this year include an extension to the car park at Aldbrough St John’s Memorial Hall and defibrillators which will installed at Burton-cum-Walden and Marske & New Forrest as part of a partnership with the Yorkshire Ambulance Service.

The fund will contribute up to 90 per cent of the cost of community projects and 65 per cent for arts and cultural festivals or events.

The project must be supported by the relevant ward councillor to qualify.

Coun Jill McMullon said: “The fund gave my ward £930 to help purchase a flagpole for the Memorial Hall in the village of Middleton Tyas. 

“Now we as a community are able to run up flags on those special days to celebrate a key event, or sadly to mourn the loss of a well-known personality, when the rest of the nation are doing the same.”