Rural communities planning capital building projects or refurbishments in east Devon can apply for financial help from the district council.

Applications are now open to apply for funding from East Devon District Council's Community Buildings Fund.

The grants scheme – helps fund projects for village halls, community buildings and community shops – is offering grants of anything up to £5,000.

Village halls, community buildings and community shops in East Devon’s villages and rural areas are eligible – although those within a town council area are not.

The scheme’s purpose is to help rural community buildings and community shops all around East Devon with funding for various projects.

These can include new or improved toilet facilities, kitchen facilities, roof repairs, heating and new door fixtures.

Fund chairman councillor Ian Thomas said: “I urge East Devon’s community buildings, village halls and community shops to apply if this funding would be of help.”

Councillor Thomas said the fund had helped some urgently needed projects in the past.

Previously funded projects include £5,000 towards an extention and new kitchen at Newton Poppleford Pavilion and £1,722 to improve access at Brampford Speke village hall.

He added: “I’m proud that we can continue to offer this funding to support a vital services, venues and meeting places in our more rural communities.”

The closing dates for applications are Friday 29 June 2018 and Friday 11 January 2019.

Limited funding is available so if all funds are granted in June there will be no funding available in January.

For full details, including how to apply and application forms, please click here.