The grant, which was awarded by the district council's Area
North Committee, is the final half of the funding needed for
Chilthorne Domer Recreational Trust to repair the building and
vastly improve standards for the many sports clubs who use
it.
The trust's management team was completely reformed in April
2010 and has adopted a business-like approach to produce a plan for
the project.
The aim is to improve both indoor and outdoor recreation
facilities for the local community.
Cllr Jo Roundell Greene, local district
council ward member who has backed the project for several years
said, "I am incredibly pleased to see this project now going
forward. The trust management team, Les Collett the council
Community Development Officer and everyone involved have worked so
hard and it really will make a difference to the
community.
"We have been very impressed with how the
trust is working. The trustees have not only produced a plan
for the refurbishment of the building but have raised funds for the
future running for the centre. One of our key aims is to help
communities become self supporting and resilient, particularly as
grant funds have been getting smaller. We are so
pleased that this will now go ahead."
Cllr Patrick Palmer, Area North Chairman said, "South Somerset
District Council aims to help the community and volunteers to help
themselves and this was a clear case where we could see that an
injection of funding would benefit people of all ages for
generations to come."
The state of the centre and sports field has declined over a
number of years and the trust now hopes to begin the £25,000
project as soon as possible.
The pavilion will get a new kitchen with new units and
appliances, much-needed refurbishment of the old water and heating
systems, additional safety and security measures, and improved
changing and showering facilities.
It is hoped that this will encourage even wider use of the
facilities for events and functions.
Susan Hall, Chair of Chilthorne Domer Recreation Trust said on
behalf of the trustees, "We are absolutely delighted to be able to
move ahead with this refurbishment project. On behalf of the
committee and the community we would like to sincerely thank South
Somerset District Council, Chilthorne Domer Parish Council,
Yarlington Housing Association and the Somerset Community
Foundation for their support."
South Somerset District Council's Area Development Teams can be
contacted on 01935 462462.
Issued: 9 December 2010