Council invests £1 million in community projects
Communities are set to benefit from more than £937,000 in grant funding after the South Norfolk Council approved support for over 60 projects on Friday 2 October. The Council’s Grants & Awards Panel allocated £426,298.50 from the Community Action Fund and £511,035.51 from the Community Facilities Grant, to improve local facilities, boost recreational opportunities and enhance residents’ quality of life.
Councillor Kim Carsok, Chair of the Grants & Awards Panel, said:
These grants help deliver real improvements for communities across South Norfolk. From play areas and sports facilities to village halls and community hubs, this funding will support projects that bring people together, encourage healthier lifestyles and help local facilities thrive for years to come. It is fantastic to see so many organisations investing in their communities and we are pleased to be able to support them.”
Several of the largest awards from the Community Action Fund focused on enhancing opportunities for children, families and community groups.
Three projects each received the maximum £40,000 award: Alpington with Yelverton Parish Council for a major play area redevelopment, Loddon Town Council to comprehensively renew Kitten's Lane Play Area, and Toft Monks Community Group to help create a new community hub facility in St Margaret's Church.
Other significant grants included £38,756 for improvements to Wicklewood Playground, £37,000 towards a new all-weather tennis court at Cringleford Tennis Club, £32,900 to improve and extend the car park at Hingham Sports Centre, and £29,500 for a new cycle pump track in Ditchingham.
The Community Facilities Grant programme also delivered substantial investment in local infrastructure. Three projects received £40,000, including improvements to Barford and Wramplingham Village Hall, new toilet facilities at St Andrew's Church in Framingham Earl and a safer and more accessible car park at Tivetshall Village Hall.
Elsewhere, Poringland Parish Council secured £30,000 to install solar panels and improve energy efficiency, while The Woodlands Club in Tacolneston received £24,600 for upgrades including heating, lighting and insulation improvements. Sports clubs also benefited, with Diss Rugby Club awarded £22,500 for a new irrigation system and Crusaders Rugby Union Football Club receiving £22,810 for clubhouse and pitch improvements.
Published: 7 October 2026