PARISHIONERS in Bighton, near Ropley, are to receive a Hampshire County Council Community Buildings Capital Funding grant to fix the roof on the village hall.

The grant is one of three announced by councillor Andrew Gibson, the authority’s executive member for culture, recreation and countryside, at his decision day meeting on October 4.

Denmead Community Association is to receive £12,240 toward refurbishing the main kitchen in the centre, which was originally installed in the 1970s. While Winchester Short Film Festival was awarded £2,810 to support the nine-day festival in November which this year aims to gain BAFTA accreditation.

The funding of £7,600 for Bighton village hall committee will be used to replace the roof felting and most of the guttering which was last replaced around 24 years ago.

The hall is the main community facility in a village of approximately 340 people, and provides a venue for services such as Winchester Mediation Services.

The organisation has committed £2,000 of its own funds to the project, has secured £1,000 from Bighton Parish Council and £1,000 from a local donation. It has applied to Garfield Weston Foundation for £4,000.

Work is planned to take place between next month and March next year.

Mr Gibson said: “In the past two years we’ve awarded 34 capital fund grants collectively worth £485,000 for community buildings, and 79 grants collectively worth £163,000 for cultural and community activities throughout the county.

“Community groups such as Denmead Community Association and Bighton village hall often lack the financial resources for capital projects, which is why we’re delighted to support them.

“We are also pleased to support cultural events such as the Winchester Short Film Festival which gives a platform for creative film-makers and work placements for local art school and university students.”