North Herts Council Awards £3,858 in Grants to Three Rural Community Projects
Council Awards £3,858 to Rural Community Projects

North Herts Council has distributed £3,858 in grant funding to three community projects in the Southern Rural area, following recommendations from the Southern Rural Community Forum on 11 June 2026.

Pirton School Scooter and Bike Racks

Pirton School received £858 towards the purchase of scooter and bike racks. The funding aims to encourage active travel and improve facilities for pupils. Jenn Magdeburg, Headteacher, said: "Pirton School are very grateful for the generous donation. We know that many of our children enjoy scooting to school, and we are pleased to be able to encourage sustainability and exercise by providing somewhere for their scooters to be stored."

Preston Village Hall Projector and Screen

Preston Village Hall was awarded £1,500 to purchase a projector and screen. This enhancement will enable the hall to host more events and activities for the community, with the goal of increasing footfall to the establishment.

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Resolve Key Worker Support

Resolve also received £1,500 towards the cost of a key worker. The organisation will deliver group therapy and dedicated key work and support for residents struggling with alcohol or drug misuse. Gary Sutcliffe, Head of Income, Communications and Impact at Resolve, said: "We are very grateful to North Herts Council for this grant funding. £1,500 is a lot of money to us, and we will use it to fund and support our vital work, our Key Workers supporting and helping Southern Rural residents in the grip of alcohol or drug misuse and helping them on their journey to recovery."

Community Impact

The funding supports grassroots organisations working at the heart of rural communities, delivering tangible benefits for residents. Community Forums play an important role in giving residents a voice in local decision-making and ensuring that funding reflects local priorities. Cllr Daniel Allen, Executive Member for Governance at North Herts Council, said: “Community grants are an important way for us to invest in our rural areas and support the local organisations that make such a difference to people’s lives. These projects show the strength of our communities and the importance of supporting local initiatives that bring people together and improve wellbeing.”

Community groups interested in applying for funding can find details on eligibility and criteria on the Council’s website.

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