COMMUNITY groups in Winchester will see a cash boost to help maintain their halls.

As part of the Community Buildings and Capital Fund, Hampshire County Council has granted £10,000 to groups across the county, including the parish of St Matthew with St Paul and Stanmore Community Association, both in Winchester.

The funding enables the voluntary and community sector to maintain the quality of Hampshire’s village halls and community buildings by making improvements or developing new facilities.

The parish of St Matthew with St Paul received £1,480 to support a new boiler and water filter for the Parish Rooms, which host Yoga, Pilates, a mother and toddler group, Russian School, Neighbourhood Watch meetings and a weekly Kinderkiste German Pre-School.

Stanmore Community Association was awarded £1,125 to help replace the wooden entrance doors, including a high security locking system.

Cllr Keith Chapman, HCC’s executive member for culture, recreation and heritage, said: “I’m pleased the County Council is able to support these groups by making a contribution to the cost of building repairs or improvements to make the facilities better for the local community. I wish all the communities every success with their projects.”

Groups in Gosport and Whitehill & Bordon also benefitted from the scheme.