Community body was swift to plug the leak

QUICK action by the Devon Community Foundation helped prevent rain stopping play at Okehampton?s Ockment Centre.

Following recent heavy rain, a roof leak led to part of the ceiling in one of the centre?s activity rooms falling in.

But thanks to quick work by grassroots charity Devon Community Foundation, a grant of £500 was approved within just two days and remedial repair works were able to begin ? helping the centre to stay open.

Lindsey Svensson, manager of the Okement Community Centre said: ?The centre is used by over 30,000 people every year. Our rooms are constantly in use by a whole range of local voluntary groups and we also hire them out for business and private use to gain valuable income for the centre. We simply can?t afford to have them out of action.

?Devon Community Foundation have been brilliant ? I faxed the grant application off on the day of the leak and the next day I had a positive response, allowing me to get the builders to start work immediately.?

Work is due to finish on the ceiling repairs this week and groups like the Citizens? Advice Bureau, Community Voluntary Service, Homestart, Pinpoint, Okehampton?s Community Transport scheme, Rethink (a mental health group), the ICT and LearnDirect Centre and the crèche have been able to continue uninterrupted.

Mrs Svensson said the centre was now actively looking for funding for the major task of replacing the old roof.

Melanie McLoughlin, director of Devon Community Foundation, said the grant application process was often thought to be too complicated and long-winded for small community groups, but that need not be the case.

She said: ?We aim to get much needed cash direct into the heart of local communities in Devon who need our help.

?Because we?re Devon-based and understand the needs of the county, we can act quickly to make sure valuable community and voluntary groups in local towns and villages get the financial lifeline they need.?

Anyone wishing to apply for a grant from Devon Community Foundation should call Melanie on 01884 235887 to find out more.