NORTH Devon councillors have agreed to allocate more than £55,000 of funding for Braunton, with the money going towards improvements to community spaces in the village.

Chaloners Road play area received £26,992 towards enhancement of extra, inclusive play equipment which will provide opportunities to all children, regardless of ability.

Braunton Cricket Club received £28,498 funding to replace their existing training facilities, which are no longer fit for purpose. The new artificial grass training area and nets cannot only be used by the existing Braunton cricket teams but also by the junior and senior schools in Braunton, for coaching purposes.

Leader of North Devon Council, Councillor David Worden, says: “I am delighted that we are able to help provide funding for these public amenities through S106 funding.

“We have listened to the voices of our communities and are pleased to be able to use this money to provide much needed facilities which will bring our communities together.”

Local Ward Member for Braunton East, Councillor Liz Spear, says: “The Parish Council very much welcome the contribution of the Community Open Space funding for the very popular Chaloners Road Play Area.

“Working with Caen School we consulted the pupils as to what equipment they would like, and this funding fills a big hole in Parish Council funding due to the pandemic.

“Like so many of our sporting activities, Braunton Cricket Club has been badly hit by the negative impact of the pandemic. It is great that the club will now be able to bring their existing training facilities up to date for the next generation.

“It is good that these new facilities are not only for the use of the club, but also by the junior and senior schools for coaching purposes.”

Local Ward Member for Braunton East, Councillor Derrick Spear says “It’s great that the health and wellbeing of both the Cricket Club and the community will benefit. 

"One of the issues regarding the use of Chaloners Play Park was the Chaloners Road crossing and its safety concerns. This longstanding problem will now be resolved by the updating of the crossing to address the safety issues. The Parish council is pleased that residents’ concerns have been listened to.”

Local Ward Member for Braunton West and Georgeham, Councillor Jasmine Chesters, says: "I am really pleased that these two projects have received funding that will enable them to proceed. Both are worthy causes that will involve activities for both children and teenagers to be out in the fresh air exercising socially."

Under Section 106 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, contributions can be sought from developers towards the costs of providing extra community and social infrastructure as a result of the impact of a new development.?These contributions can only be used for certain things, but are used primarily for public open space projects.