A £10,000 grant to help with improvements to Chilthorne Domer’s popular recreation field and pavilion has been approved by South Somerset District Council’s (SSDC) Area North Committee.
The developments are the latest stage in a multi-phased programme of work to update the facilities. Earlier work focused on energy efficiency measures to reduce the running costs of the pavilion and maintain affordable hire charges.
The premises are used for many community activities and the village primary school, immediately next to the playing field, uses both the field and pavilion on a regular basis, including for a breakfast club running every weekday in term-time.
Lynn Luscombe of Chilthorne Domer Recreational Trust Management Committee says: “This project will have a lasting, positive impact on our community and has really brought the village together. Many local organisations and individuals have helped raise funds or awarded grants towards the work including the parish council, W.I., school, PTFA, village hall, youth club, gardening club, table tennis club, short-mat bowls club and pantomime club.
“The Trust is delighted to have been awarded the £10,000 grant by SSDC and would also like to thank Viridor Credits for their generous grant of £110,110.”
New work includes extending the on-site car park to relieve parking problems on neighbouring roads and the addition of two dedicated parking spaces for Blue Badge holders. A wheelchair-accessible roundabout and slide and other play equipment will be placed on a landscaped area of the field.
The interior of the pavilion will have corridors widened to provide wheelchair access, an accessible toilet and an extension for storage space.
SSDC Councillor Shane Pledger, Chairman of SSDC’s Area North committee, said: “We are very pleased to add our support to helping this resourceful community achieve their aims of a pavilion and playing field that meet peoples’ needs, are up-to-date and economical to run.”
Photo: Chilthorne Domer pavilion in its current condition.