A common in need of 'urgent repairs' has received a £25,000 cash boost.

Shedfield Recreation Charity was awarded the funding for the recreation ground in Upper Church Road as part of £58,500 dished out by the leader of Hampshire County Council, Cllr Rob Humby, in community grants.

The money will help mend the roadway approach to the pavilion and improve the car park, allowing residents to safely access the facility.

Shedfield recreation ground serves a key role in providing the community with a space for sports and other social activities.

The repair work will be the first step in a larger overall programme of improvements to increase the use of the open space and boost income to make it more self-sustainable.

READ MORE: Work begins on improvements to pavilion and sport ground in Shedfield after four years of delays

The rest of the grant was split between two organisations in Alton and the New Forest.

Alton Community Centre received £8,500 for a roof replacement while The Martin Club Ltd was handed £25,000 for a similar scheme.

At his Policy, Resources, and Economic Development Decision Day on Thursday, November 10, Cllr Humby highlighted the value these grants will bring to residents across the county. He said: “All of the community grants will support local organisations that provide vital social hubs for Hampshire residents – whether through learning, being creative or being physically active – all have a positive impact on wellbeing.

"Making sure these hubs can remain accessible for all is also important, and I was particularly pleased that funding awarded to Alton Community Centre’s Garden Room will help to maintain a viable ground-level facility that provides vital easy access.

“Furthermore, through repair works to two community roofs there is potential to install solar panels, which will help both facilities become more financially self-sustaining through more efficient and greener energy sources – while contributing towards reduced carbon emissions.”

The purpose of the scheme is to fund one-off, time-limited projects which provide community benefits and help local communities thrive, and aid local organisations in becoming financially self-supporting.