Archive - Friday, 2 April 2004


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Villages lose Vital cash fund

VILLAGES across the region have lost out on thousands of pounds of funding because of budget cuts.

The Countryside Agency's Vital Village scheme has been shelved leaving villages unable to apply for grants of up to £25,000.

Cash from the scheme has previously funded farm shops, youth centres and play equipment for youngsters.

Simon Hart, chief executive of the Countryside Alliance said: "The Countryside Agency says it designed the programme to demonstrate how rural communities can take charge of their futures. It would seem the future of rural communities is no longer important."

Villages can no longer apply for grants but current applications are not thought to be under threat.