Patrick McLoughlin

Conservative Party | West Derbyshire

Village Halls in danger

West Derbyshire MP, Patrick McLoughlin, has is appealing to the Government about the future of village halls, following representations from Derbyshire Rural Community Council.

Mr McLoughlin said,
 “There is a huge gap in funding for village halls and other community buildings.  The Big Lottery Fund recently closed its Community Buildings Programmes.   There are no other lottery programmes and no new ones are planned.  The Government is diverting money to make up the funding shortfall for the 2012 Olympics.  Millions of pounds are being drawn away from community groups and small charities.

“I am extremely concerned about the situation.  The vast majority of village and community halls in my constituency are already in the voluntary sector and so are not eligible for a new scheme the government is promoting.

”Village halls are central to village life, as are the local shops and post offices. 
This is another serious blow to local communities.