£43k community grants awarded

Under the scheme, the council can hand out up to £130,000 a year to community groups or organisations which meet the criteria.

The first round of the scheme for 2014/15 closed on July 31.

At a meeting on Monday, Rother approved a grant of £30,000 to the Senlac District Scout Council.

The money will be used towards building a new Scout premises at the Kiteye Campsite in the district.

Little Gate Farm in Beckley was awarded £5,000 while £6,000 went to Ewhurst Parish Council in Partnership with Ewhurst Parish Allotments. The money will go towards 18 sheds and creating on-site parking.

Winchelsea Beach Older Peoples’ Project was handed £2,000 towards its set up costs, but RDC councillors expressed their disappointment at the sum pledged to the project by Icklesham Parish Council.

A further contribution has since been requested from the parish council.

The Winchelsea Corporation was awarded a grant of £250 towards the printing of the revised edition of Winchelsea Visitor Map and Guide.

Rother District Council says it hopes Icklesham Parish Council will provide match funding.

RDC turned down grant requests from Action in Rural Sussex, Crowhurst Parish Council, Etchingham Parish Council, Little Angel CDS Consultancy CIC and Rye Community Centre.