GROUPS in Chippenham which work to improve the quality of life in the town have been awarded a share of over £6,000.

Altogether £6,309.25 from the town council’s Community Donations Scheme has been split between seven organisations which support the town by promoting health and wellbeing, playing an active role in the future development of Chippenham, promoting Chippenham as a destination market town for its rich heritage, and helping to create a green, clean and safe environment.

Phoenix Amateur Dance Group were given £962.25 to pay the balance to hire The Neeld for their show next year.

Founder Grace Thomas said: “We are a community group and the kids pay a low fee to come to us.

“All costs go towards the studio hire, hall hire and their costumes.

"We paid the deposit for the Neeld in February but because it is only our second year and we are still finding our feet we needed extra help this year.

“A massive weight was lifted.”

Riverside Studios received £797 to help advertise its Jukebox Cafe.

Guy Britton, who has been running the group for three years, said: “It is an alternative to a youth cafe aimed at young people with an interest in music and we are always really grateful of the support.”

Kathryn Crosweller, of Chippenham BID, who got £750 towards new radios, which will enable reliable and clear communication between venues in the town, said: “Chippenham BID applied to Wiltshire Police, Chippenham Town Council and Wiltshire Council’s Ares Board for partnership funding to source some new security radios for the night-time economy business in the town centre.

“We’re delighted to have received £750 from Chippenham Town Council and £750 from Wiltshire Police and we are hopeful that the Area Board will also be able to support the upgrade to the existing security radios at their forthcoming meeting.”

The Beacon Centre, Chippenham Rugby Club, Chippenham Twinning Association, and Friends of Monkton Park School all also received cash.

Cllr Richard Bambury, chair of the community donations sub-committee, said: “I was delighted to hear about all of the exciting projects which are happening in Chippenham.

“All of the projects have a wider audience reach than the awarded organisation which means many local people will benefit from these developments.”