Play areas get cash boost as nearly £2m shared out

Play areas are among the projects to receive cash from Malvern Hills District Council

Play areas and car parks are among the projects which will receive a share of nearly £2m in funding.

Malvern Hills District Council is giving the cash to 48 projects after the move was approved by its executive committee.

Their community grant scheme launched in April and received 70 applications for funding, including for a brand new village hall in Holt, a spokesperson for the authority said.

Out of the total £1.9m investment, more than two-thirds will go to rural projects and 31% to schemes in the town of Malvern.

The spokesperson said they were also investing up to £3m into council-owned facilities and public open spaces to create healthier communities and make spaces more accessible.

The spaces receiving support include Malvern Rugby Football Club, Sport Dyson Perrins, Upton Hill Centre and a new community facility, to be built in Leigh Sinton.

Councillor Jennie Watkins said the projects would offer "long-term legacies for current and future generations to enjoy".