SEVERAL West Devon projects have been helped by a programme which helps communities tackle deprivation in rural areas because of poor access to services. Devon Renaissance's Community Boost Fund was set up with £225,000 of available grant funding, to provide an opportunity for community organisations to bid for predominantly capital funding of between £5,000 and £15,000 — figures which can often be crucial to the delivery of projects. The fund has helped projects right across the county, including the replacement of Beaford Village Hall roof, setting up the office base and staffing for Okehampton Moving Pictures, improvements to the kitchen at Lamerton Sports and Community Centre, building a new village hall for Bridestowe, and an upgrade to the kitchen and meeting room at Lydford Nicholls Hall. It also supported work at Belstone Village Hall and Sydenham Damerel Methodist church and a new roof for Meeth Village Hall. Liz Abell, programme co-ordinator, said: 'The Community Boost Fund has been a real success and has benefitted many rural communities. 'There is a huge demand for this type of funding which ensures rural communities are able to access otherwise unavailable services . We are delighted to have helped so many communities in rural Devon, which are among the most rural in the country.'
