Blandford Town Hall and Dorset pub get Government cash
Two local community projects have got support from a Levelling Up Fund
Two Dorset projects have got Government cash to improve community facilities.
Blandford Town Council's been given £265,000 to 'regenerate' the Grade I listed Corn Exchange and Town Hall.
We're told a 'flexible community space and a venue for a range of arts and cultural events' will be created.
There's also £477,300 for a scheme in Shillingstone to get the Old Ox pub opened for the community again.
The cash will go towards buying the site and making repairs, before it's reopened.
It's hoped it'll be a 'sustainable community pub, with all future profits re-invested into the local area'.
The money's come from the Government's Community Ownership Fund, with £12.3 million given to 45 projects nationwide.
All of the schemes supported will be owned and run by local people for the benefit of others.
Jacob Young, Minister for Levelling Up, said:
“Our priority is to support communities and deliver opportunities right across the country, which is why we’re investing £12.3m to secure the future of cherished community institutions.
“These places – from pubs to historic railway lines – are the golden thread which run through our social fabric, and keeping them going is vital for supporting communities.”