Wiltshire villagers could win a share of £5m to help turn the fortunes of their community around.
Villages with populations of less than 3,000 can benefit from a nationwide Village SOS Active campaign, which aims to start up new community enterprises.
Enterprises could include restoring a local pub or creating a food business, and awards of £10,000 to £30,000 for the brightest ideas will be made.
Mark Cotton, Big Lottery Fund Head of Region for the South West, said: “Every year hundreds of local amenities close down in rural areas. It can strike at the heart of village life.”
The Barge Inn Comm- unity Project in Honey- street, near Pewsey, was awarded a Village SOS grant from the Big Lottery Fund. It will be featured in the Village SOS TV series on BBC One on August 17.
The grant was used to buy the Barge Inn’s lease. As well as rejuvenating the pub, the project includes a campsite and activities.
To find out more, visit www.villagesos.org.uk.
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