A CHARITY which provides a lifeline to people struggling with debt and legal issues has received a major handout from Whitehill Town Council.

The £10,100 awarded to Citizens Advice Bordon was one of six major grants approved by the council’s Executive Committee at their February meeting.

More than £40,000 is heading its way to charities, good causes and organisations that provide vital services and opportunities to Whitehill & Bordon residents.

Helen Drake, Chief Executive of Citizens Advice East Hampshire, said the organisation would not be able to help so many people with their debt, housing, energy, employment and legal problems without the grant.

She added: “We are so grateful to Whitehill Town Council for our grant, as it has been one of the busiest on record for people needing Citizens Advice help and advice.”

HomeStart Hampshire and Pancreatic Cancer Action were both awarded £5,000, with the latter using their grant to boost its campaign to educate people of the symptoms.

The biggest grant of the night was the £14,800 awarded to The Phoenix Theatre while £6,000 is going to the Whitehill & Bordon Community Association in support of its ongoing bid to improve the community centre.

“We know these are challenging times and we would therefore like to thank WTC for their continuing financial support,” said a spokesperson for The Phoenix.

Cllr Catherine Clark, WTC deputy leader, said the council was happy to support the winning applicants as they all run worthwhile projects in the community.

She added: “In addition to our grants, we were able to support Whitehill Village Hall through our town regeneration reserve fund, to finish off their roof works.”

Details of how to apply for a WTC major grant can be found at https://www.whitehilltown council.gov.uk/finance/grants