Upgrades to village halls, repairs to play equipment and solar panels for an animal charity are among the 60 rural projects that Stroud District Council has allocated funds to from the Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF).
Stroud District Council allocated £620,261 between 2023 and 2026 to support capital projects for small businesses and community infrastructure in eligible rural areas. The funding, administered by Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), aimed to improve productivity, strengthen the rural economy, and enhance local communities.
“This funding has supported an extraordinary range of valuable projects and organisations across the district,” said Council Leader Cllr Chloe Turner.
“It’s a great example of how targeted investment can make a real difference to rural communities.”
Deputy Leader Cllr Catherine Braun added:
“We've directed these funds to support many of our rural businesses and community organisations - helping boost the local economy, safeguard jobs, reduce carbon emissions and enhance community cohesion.”
Grants of up to £20,000 were available to businesses and community groups in eligible rural areas to support capital projects such as building work, large tools, and equipment.
The funding was distributed in alignment with the Council Plan and Economic Development Strategy, supporting key priorities including Environment & Climate Change, Support for Businesses, and Community Resilience and Wellbeing.
A wide range of projects was supported through the fund including £20,000 towards a community buy-out of the Rose and Crown in Nympsfield; £20,000 to Dursley Town Council to build accessible toilets at the War Memorial Recreation Ground; £7,829 to Gloucestershire House Clearances for a white goods recycling project; and £9,434 towards new benches and play equipment repair at Synwell Playing Field in Wotton-under-Edge.
One of the successful applicants, Teckels Animal Sanctuary in Whitminster, received £6,004 to install solar panels to help power its facilities.
Teckels Manager Sarah Johnson said:
“Teckels is so grateful for the grant that has enabled us to purchase the solar panels for our office building/isolation kennels. Not only do they help make us more eco-friendly, they save us much needed funds which we can then put towards the important rescue work that we do.”
Paris is a 2 year old French bulldog still looking for her forever home, if you’d like to know more about her or make a donation towards our rescue animals, please head to our website: www.Teckelsanimalsanctuaries.co.uk”
The full list of REPF funded projects can be found on the council’s website:
www.stroud.gov.uk/business/support-for-business/rural-england-prosperity-fund The fund has now closed.
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