MEMBERS of Stainton Institute have expressed their delight after landing a £20,000 grant to help finance renovation work on the building.

The money is part of the latest round of Locally Important Projects (LIPs) funding from South Lakeland District Council (SLDC).

“For the past four years we have been sympathetically converting a former chapel which dates back to 1697 into a modern space for use by the whole community," said Institute chairman Geoff Wilson.

“Once it’s finished it will be a fantastic resource in the heart of the community for everyone to make good use of.”

Eighteen other local groups and organisations also received a share of the £165,000 funding, with £40,000 going to Levens Village Hall, £20,000 to Stainton Parish Council towards the cost of installing high speed broadband and £20,000 to Ulverston Town Council to help improve the North Lonsdale Road Play Area.

Windermere and Bowness Civic Society was also awarded £1,750 to help pay for entrance improvements at Cockshott Point, a popular access to the lake shore, and other projects in Arnside, Crosthwaite, Coniston, Dent, Kendal, New Hutton, Preston Patrick and Staveley also received grants.

"We are delighted to announce the successful LIPs applications which are to receive funding this year," said Cllr Jonathan Brook, SLDC’s Portfolio Holder for Housing People and Innovation.

“These grants support many excellent projects which benefit our local communities and neighbourhoods, helping to improve the quality of life right across the district.

“LIPs money has already been spent on a wide variety of initiatives such as improving playgrounds and green spaces, supporting important renovation and conservation projects, restoring footpaths, modernising community centres, making cycling more accessible and much more.”

“We have been particularly keen to receive LIPs applications from more deprived areas of the district, initiatives which support disadvantaged and vulnerable groups and projects which help to alleviate social isolation.

"Projects which protect and enhance the environment, help individuals and communities to be more resilient and promote better health and wellbeing are also key council priorities.”

LIPs money is allocated through the New Homes Bonus, where government matches the council tax raised on new homes and properties brought back into use.

For more details about LIPs funding and eligibility, please visit the council’s website: www.southlakeland.gov.uk