Thirteen is a lucky number for two Whitehill & Bordon groups as they’ve been given a funding high five by the town council (WTC).

Whitehill Town Council has signed two “historic” deals that will see Citizens Advice East Hampshire and the Phoenix Theatre & Arts Centre each receive £13k per annum for five years.

The Memorandum of Understanding agreements were proposed as an alternative to annual applications from the pair for Major Grant Aid funding.

There are some conditions as CAEH, which is currently based at the Forest Community Centre, must retain an office within Whitehill & Bordon to be eligible for the cash.

But WTC and their leader, Cllr Andy Tree, believes the new “targeted approach” will pay dividends by allowing CAEH and The Phoenix to plan for the long term.

He said: “In our strategic plan the council said we would strive to ensure those in need of support have access to free legal advice and support.

“This will be through third parties supported by WTC taking steps to best ensure CAEH retains and office in Whitehill & Bordon.”

He added: “Also in the strategic plan, we said we would build on the relationship with The Phoenix Theatre & Arts Centre.

“The Phoenix was recognised as excellent with the recent awarding of the prestigious National Portfolio Organisation status by Arts Council England, one of only 990 centres in the country. Phoenix offers a variety of services and events, beyond the theatre.”

The council has published both Memorandums in the October 9 minutes of its Executive Committee meeting “for complete transparency” with the documents viable o their website.

Cllr Tree added that both CAEH and The Phoenix will provide annual feedback in terms of the funding, so both councillors and residents can see how the money is being spent and ask questions."