Local institutions receive levelling up boost

45 local institutions across the UK, including pubs, museums and sports clubs have received funding from the government intended to secure their futures.

The organisations will will receive more than £12.3m in funding so they can be run by the community, for the community.

Jacob Young, minister for levelling Up, said: "Our priority is to support communities and deliver opportunities right across the country, which is why we’re investing £12.3m to secure the future of cherished community institutions.

"These places – from pubs to historic railway lines – are the golden thread which run through our social fabric, and keeping them going is vital for supporting communities."

£1 million of the funding will be used to rebuild a historic Yorkshire railway bridge, which is in urgent need of repair, which carries the railway line over Bridgehouse Beck between Keighley and Oxenhope.

David Pearson, co-ordinator for external finance & resources at the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway Preservation Society, said: "We’re overjoyed to have received this funding, which will be going towards the complete rebuilding of the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway’s bridge 27 in the middle of the railway at Haworth and in the middle of Haworth village.

"It means that the long term survival of train services on the railway is ensured and means everything to our railway, our villages and our people."

Dartford Gym and Youth Club will has received £244,920 to undergo essential refurbishment to restore it as a space for local schools, clubs and community organisations to engage in sport and social activities and Sterts Theatre in Cornwall will be restored with £300,000 so that it can resume its community and professional performances.

£1.2 million will also be used to secure the future of four pubs.

Image by Christian_Birkholz from Pixabay