A PROGRAMME of renovations to local village and parish halls has been given the green light thanks to a grant boost of almost £33,000.

The much-needed repairs to Milton Combe Village Hall, Monkokehampton Old Schoolroom and Bratton Clovelly Parish Hall can now proceed, after applications to West Devon Borough Council's village hall improvement grant fund were given approval.

The support will allow the halls to undergo substantial upgrading over the coming months - injecting a new lease of life into the tired buildings.

Milton Combe Village Hall will benefit from a new kitchen which will replace the current dilapidated facilities. Not only will the improvements make the hall more user friendly for the disabled, it will allow the building to be let for social and commercial events.

Villagers in Monkokehampton are desperate to ensure that The Old Schoolroom remains open despite its much needed refurbishment.

A grant of £10,000 will contribute to substantial building works, turning it into an invaluable community hub.

The most ambitious project is at Bratton Clovelly, where a contribution of £15,500 will transform the way in which the parish hall finances itself.

On top of traditional renovations to the building, the installation of solar PV panels and a biomass generator will allow the management committee to export electricity back to the national grid, providing them with an income for years to come.

The total estimated cost of the scheme is £164,753.

This sum will see the hall become one of the most eco friendly and sustainable community facilities in the area.

Cllr Robert Sampson, chairman of the environment and community committee, said: 'I am very pleased at the work that is being done with this money.

'It is fantastic meeting the people who volunteer so much of their time developing the community spirit within West Devon.

'This programme aims to fund buildings which are a focus for neighbourhood activity.

'These projects awarded funding epitomise the aims of the scheme, and all promise to give a huge amount back to their local communities.'

The borough runs a number of grant schemes including community projects, village halls. sports development, arts and economic development and regeneration grants, all of which are a great help to rural communities who want to maintain, improve or bring new facilities into their area.

For more information call the council's community projects officer, Rob Sekula, on 01822 813701 or email [email protected]">[email protected]