The Devizes Area Board met this week to distribute a number of grants across the community, listed in full below.

It was the last meeting for the current board ahead of May elections, and a chance to reflect on support offered during that time.

There have been 22 meetings over the last four years, in which councillors and community representatives have brought forward the interests of the 33,000 people in the town and parishes. 

With an annual budget of £90,000, money has been spent across the region on maintaining community facilities, improving road networks and giving much-needed boosts to local groups and charities.

"We all know that sport and getting people together is such an important part of what we do in our communities to build our resilience, so I think it's great we support so many clubs," said councillor Laura Mayes.

"Some projects are big and some are small projects but they all go to supporting our area."

This week's meeting marked the final Area Board for councillors Peter Evans, Sue Evans, Richard Gamble and Anna Cuthbert. 

The four councillors were thanked for their work throughout the years to support their local communities.

Councillor Simon Jacobs thanked the services of the councillors and their 'stalwart' status as a result of their commitment to their wards.

The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald:

Here is how the the last round of funding has been allocated:

Youth grants:
Wiltshire Youth for Christ: £5,000 for a new youth worker for the Devizes area
The Bridge Project: £5,000 for a Thrive hub worker in two Devizes schools
Potterne Youth Club: £2,700 for the Potterne Community Garden re-generation
Devizes School: £4,700 for supporting students returning to school
Lavington School: £4,7000 for the above reason

Health and well-being grant:
A total of £900 was given to Alzheimer's Support Sidmouth St Day Club

Grants for local groups:

Erlestoke and Coulston Cricket Club, £2,500 for a new pavilion 
Wiltshire Museum, £2,262.13 for a new boiler and temperature control
Devizes Town Council, £2,405.00 for supporting independent businesses in Devizes.
All Cannings Community Shop Society Ltd, £2,500 for a new shop getting ready to build
Devizes and District Foodbank, £2,500 for a new delivery van
Devizes Development Partnership, £2644 for new CCTV cameras