ALMOST £500,000 has been handed out by Test Valley civic chiefs for community projects across the borough. 

Test Valley Borough Council approved £467,910 of community infrastructure levy (CIL) at its cabinet meeting on April 3. 

CIL funds are paid to the council from developers of major projects. 

Broughton Sports Pavilion was allocated £100,000 for a replacement building. The council's report said: “The pavilion will primarily serve the local football and cricket teams alongside other local groups both sporting and non-sporting clubs. The Council approved an initial allocation of £200,000 in August 2021. Building costs have increased significantly since this award and the additional £100,000 requested will allow the project to move forward as originally planned.

“The project looks to address issues of compliance with sporting bodies from the current outdated pavilion. A strong project that will deliver clear benefits to the users of the playing fields.”

Ampfield Recreation Ground secured £46,639 for multi-lane artificial surface with netting, additional wicket for matches, portable playing surfaces and bicycle parking facilities.

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The report said: “A 300 per cent increase in youth participation in the area has shown clear evidence that new and improved training facilities are needed. The proposals allow for an increased capacity in terms of number of games per year and a free training facility for all local clubs.”

Wellow Men’s Shed will get £76,271 for the construction of a new shed near the tennis club at Hatches Farm, West Wellow. It will be used to repair, repurpose and manufacture furniture, ornaments and any other items for the local community and act as a meeting point for the group. A new wheelchair accessible footpath is also included leading to the building. 

The report said: “The new shed will operate as a repair shop of sorts and look to assist the local community with any repair or refurbishment activities to support the community groups and facilities in the area. Current membership is limited by the poor facilities at the current temporary stable block. This project will enable the group to expand and deliver more projects for the community.”

In the north of the borough, Picket Piece Village Hall was allocated £245,000 for an extension. The report added: “This bid is a result of extensive consultation with the community and addresses a number of issues that prevent the current hall from being utilised to its full potential. The proposals both help to ensure that the hall sees increased use by the community but also remains sustainable with improvements to energy efficiency to reduce running costs.”

The funds will be rubber-stamped at the full council meeting on April 17.