Grant awards help arts, creative, cultural and heritage development

A range of businesses and organisations in rural locations received funding between £5,000 and £20,000 from Harborough District Council to enhance physical, cultural and social amenities.

Examples include alterations to buildings and cultural venues with the additions of new lighting, audio and display equipment in libraries and village halls, improving visitor experiences with investment in creative and retail spaces, as well as creating new heritage trails to encourage increased participation in local history.

Grant recipients were Hallaton Church Restoration Trust, Lubenham Heritage Group, Gilmorton History Group, Cotesbach Educational Trust, Billesdon Coplow Centre, Fleckney Village Hall, Foxton Inclined Plane Trust, The Friends of Fleckney Library, Kibworth Beauchamp Parish Council, Halstead Hill Farm, Canal & River Trust, Glooston Village Hall, Live at The Lodge and Hallaton Museum.

Cllr Jo Asher, Cabinet lead for Culture, Leisure, Economy and Tourism, said: “This was a great opportunity for the council to support rural businesses and organisations development and growth. Their work supports our wellbeing and strengthens our rural communities.”  

This project received £204,681 from UK government through the Rural England Prosperity Fund. The Rural England Prosperity Fund is an extension of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, which invests in communities and place, local business, and people and skills.

For more information, visit: www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-shared-prosperity-fund-prospectus

Further details of other council grant schemes open to applications can be found at https://investinharborough.com/grants