A GRANT of £25,000 towards an extension of Oakhanger Village Hall has been given by Hampshire County Council.

The money will help provide a second meeting room so residents can use the hall more flexibly and frequently.

It was awarded by the executive member for recreation and heritage, Cllr Seán Woodward, from the Recreation and Heritage Community Fund 2019–20.

This fund was introduced in January to simplify the process for community organisations seeking cash – previously there were four funds for different kinds of project – and this time it has given £153,937 to nine schemes across the county.

Cllr Woodward said: “We are carefully targeting small investments towards a range of recreation, arts and cultural projects that improve community cohesion and inclusion, and add something to people’s quality of life.

“We prioritise projects that demonstrate a clear plan that county council funding will help them become financially self-sustaining, or provide long-term benefit without requiring continued investment.”