SIX Herefordshire village halls will share more than £50,000 thanks to Herefordshire Council's Community Building Grant Scheme.

Cawley Hall, Little Birch, Much Dewchurch, Shobdon, Stanford Bishop and Whitchurch and Ganarew will receive the money for improvements and repairs, such as heating systems, disabled access, kitchen refurbishments, septic tank repairs and new extensions.

The grant scheme has been operating on an annual bidding basis with grants awarded towards the end of the financial year.

But from the start of this financial year, the scheme will move to a rolling programme where applications can be taken at any point in the year. The annual budget is £50,000.

"The Community Building Grant Scheme has been a great success. We work alongside local communities and the financial assistance we give them ensures they can get their buildings in top condition so they and others can continue to enjoy them," said Councillor Roy Stockton, Cabinet Member (Community Services).

"Moving the scheme to a rolling programme should make it easier for community groups to apply for the grant at a time that's convenient for them," he added.

Groups who are eligible to apply for the grants are parish councils, parish meetings, village hall management committees, community associations and other organisations democratically controlled by the local community.

There are two potential grants that groups can apply for if they want to carry out refurbishment or improvement works on their community building.

New forms and further information are available from the Council's Delegated Grants and Programmes Team on 01432 260753.