Mayor funds village hall renovations to help isolated communities across North Yorkshire

David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, has contributed around £600,000 to the North Yorkshire Village Hall and Community Buildings Programme which will help fund vital renovations to up to 21 community halls and hubs.

Mayor Skaith was inspired to commit extra funding after seeing the impact North Yorkshire Council’s (NYC) previous investment using the Shared Prosperity Fund (SPF) had on the 43 village halls and community buildings it supported.

He said: “We live in a unique region, with vast and beautiful landscapes, but that can often lead to isolated rural communities. I am so pleased to be able to help expand this amazing programme by supporting improvements for up to 21 community buildings, from village halls to cricket clubs, in some of the most rural patches of North Yorkshire.

“For so many residents, these vital community hubs are a social and emotional lifeline, providing opportunities to socialise, access services, sports, and activities that is so important to support wellbeing and create healthy and thriving communities.

“I am very excited to see the fantastic things the halls and hubs will do with the funding, and the impact that will have on people’s everyday lives, ensuring we all feel the benefits of devolution.”

The funds will help make essential changes to ensure the buildings can improve or extend their offer, and support their future sustainability.

Fund recipient for Tadcaster and Rural CIC David Gluck said, “The funding means that I can replace an out-of-date central heating system throughout our fabulous but cold building, creating a warm space for everyone in the community to enjoy! Huge thanks to David Skaith who has made this possible.

North Yorkshire Council leader Carl Les said: “It has been brilliant to see the positive impact that Shared Prosperity Fund investment has made on village halls and community buildings across North Yorkshire over the last two years. These buildings play a vital role in the communities they serve, and it is great news that the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority (YNYCA) have committed to build on the work started by North Yorkshire Council so we can work together to support even more buildings with funding for improvement projects.”