£150k boost for South Norfolk community projects – with more to come!

The Grants and Awards Panel, chaired by Cllr Kim Carsok, met on Tuesday 24 March to consider the applications.

Cllr Carsok said: “We’re delighted to support these fantastic local projects, from play areas and pump tracks to a village cinema and even a bottle crusher to fill potholes. Backing these improvements to our villages and towns strengthens our communities and makes a real difference to people’s everyday lives.”

There’s even bigger news for local groups. A record‑breaking £500,000 Community Action Fund will open for applications on 1 April, giving many more community organisations the chance to access support. And a further £500,000 will be available through the Council’s new Community Facilities Grant.

Cllr Carsok added:

We encourage any community group with a great idea or local project to apply when the new funds open. This is our biggest investment yet in community‑led projects and we want as many groups as possible to benefit. Please reach out to your Councillor and our fantastic Communities team for support in preparing your application.”

Successful applicants

• Alpington with Yelverton Parish Council – Improvements to children’s play area: £5,318
• Aslacton & Great Moulton Coronation Hall – Installation of visual and sound equipment for a community cinema: £11,632
• Bawburgh Village Hall – New metal hoop fencing for play area: £6,850
• Chedgrave Parish Council – Refurbishment of the Pits Play Area: £15,000
• Cringleford Parish Council – The Willow Centre New Pump Track: £15,000
• Ditchingham Parish Council – Replacement of footpath fencing: £3,000
• The Locks Inn Community Pub, Geldeston – Bottle crusher for recycling glass into pothole filler: £8,000
• Glow Run Club Wymondham – Branded kit and safety equipment: £1,346
• Friends of Harleston Sancroft Academy – Stage lighting for theatre auditorium: £10,000
• Hempnall Baby & Toddler Group – New toys and age‑appropriate equipment: £2,500
• Loddon Community Gym – Replacement and expansion of gym equipment: £12,849
• Morley Village & Sports Hall Charity – Extension of rock climbing wall: £13,240
• Mulbarton Parish Council – Playpark refurbishment including pump track: £15,000
• South Wymondham Youth Basketball – Permanent outdoor hoops: £1,585
• Tacolneston & Forncett Recreation Association (TAFRA) – Recreation ground improvements including play equipment and outdoor fitness suite: £15,000
• Wacton Parish Council Woodland – New accessible bridge, seating and site works: £13,000

For more information and to apply, visit: www.southnorfolkandbroadland.gov.uk/community-safety/community/funding/community-action-fund

PIC: Cllr Kim Carsok and Cllr Graham Minshull with Stephen MacHaye founder of the Norfolk Tank Museum, where a CAF grant enabled them to upgrade their car park so they could open all year round.