Mayor's fund supports vital upgrades

An initiative in North Yorkshire is improving community spaces across the region. 

More than 20 village halls and community buildings are nearing completion of vital upgrades thanks to a £600,000 investment from David Skaith, the mayor of York and North Yorkshire. 

The funding has supported the Village Hall and Community Building Programme.

Peter Ward, chair of Kettlewell Village Hall, which has received funds to revitalise the hall, said: “Since our updates, the clubs have seen an increase in numbers, giving our community more options to connect and come together. 

“The difference this makes to our community, especially our elderly and young people, is huge.”

Yvonne Harrison, project manager of Whitby Hidden Impairment Support & Help (WHISH), added: “We have been able to install a wheelchair lift thanks to the funding.

“We are now able to support more families in Whitby and the surrounding area, providing support, activities, information and friendship in an accessible and judgement-free environment.”

Mayor Skaith has now launched a Community Building Programme, supported by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and Rural Prosperity Fund, to continue investing in vital community facilities across the region.

He added: “York and North Yorkshire needs to expand its offering of truly accessible and healthy spaces.  

“I am committed to supporting and creating places where everyone has a place near them that supports both their physical and mental health.” 

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