A FUNDING setback has been suffered by two villages in West Devon, after their appeal for funds was turned down by the Big Lottery Community Buildings Fund. The Exbourne and Jacobstowe Community Association Limited are sorry to announce that it was not successful in its Stage 2 bid for a £250,000 grant from the fund. In its letter to the community association, the BLF committee explained that, although it views the project as being incredibly worthwhile, it was up against strong competition. The project was one of only 200 submissions out of 2,000 to make it through the first stage and the BLF has wished it every success for the future and hoped it would be successful with other funding applications. In a statement, the community association said: 'We know, and the funders know, that there is a definite need for the facilities the Burrow Community Shop and Café is offering. 'Unfortunately in the present financial climate, and with the pressure of the Olympics, funding is much more difficult to obtain. 'The association would like to thank all those who have supported us over the past six years and trust they will continue with their support over the next few years.' Although this is a set back, the community association says it will be pursuing alternative sources of funding as well as trying to find ways to take the project forward. They will continue to run the temporary shop, cafe and post office in the village hall two mornings a week. l Market and jazz success — See page 11
