A FUNDING scheme which has paid out more than £200,000 to community groups is to be doubled.

Richmondshire District Council’s corporate board agreed to boost its annual area partnership budget from £25,000 to £50,000 at a meeting last night (Tuesday).

The 100 per cent rise means each of the five partnership areas will have £10,000 to allocate.

So far the grants – which have helped to secure over £1.8million in funding for the district – have been awarded to parish councils, charities, community and sports groups for everything from village hall refurbishments and large equipment purchases, to smaller noticeboards.

Councillor Yvonne Peacock, leader of Richmondshire District Council, said: “By increasing this fund we can help even more groups.

“The maximum amount we can allocate any one group is £1000 but that can make the difference between a project going ahead or stalling.”

To find out more about the funding stream, visit the council’s website richmondshire.gov.uk or contact Chloe Lewis on 01748-829100.