New Covid-safe outdoor space for Sparkwell residents made possible thanks to SWW

A community hall in Devon has received funding to improve its outdoor facilities for local families.

South West Water’s new Neighbourhood Fund is helping Sparkwell Parish Hall and Playground Trust to accommodate more families in a Covid-secure manner, thanks to a generous grant.

The Parish hall is a registered charity and is run entirely by a group of volunteers as well as a committee.

They meet regularly to plan village events and activities, with the aim of raising funds to cover the upkeep of the hall. Due to the pandemic and lockdown restrictions, any sort of fundraising has been unable to happen for well over a year.

Sparkwell Parish Hall hosts several clubs and events for the area, including badminton, meet ups of the local WI and a club for nearby over-60s. However, it has been forced to remain closed since March 2020.

The much-needed funding from South West Water is going towards creating an improved outdoor space, and therefore a more Covid-compliant area that allows families in the community to come together and reap the benefits of such activities, while maintaining social distancing precautions.

Diana May, Secretary, Sparkwell Parish Hall and Playground Trust has said of the water company’s Neighbourhood Fund: “Everyone at the Sparkwell Parish Hall and Playground Trust is grateful for the funding that we have received from South West Water.

"All of our usual fundraising activities have been curtailed due to the pandemic and to be able to purchase something that will enhance the Hall's outside space, be long lasting and enjoyed by the community for years to come is very welcome."

Jo Ecroyd, Customer Service Director, South West Water, added: “We’re proud to be able to help such worthwhile organisations to continue to offer places that local families benefit so much from.

"After the past year, being able to reconnect in a Covid-safe environment is incredibly important, and we hope that the residents in and around Sparkwell will enjoy using the upgraded outdoor space.”

South West Water is giving back to the region it works within and cares about by actively improving the lives of people and the places they love for generations to come.

The pandemic has emphasised the importance of local communities and South West Water is investing in supporting people across Devon and Cornwall to build back and connect communities.

The South West Water Neighbourhood Fund is making a tangible difference to the lives of people living in Devon and Cornwall.

South West Water is making this investment to better the lives of local people through funding projects which protect the nature and the environment for the benefit of community health and well-being; provide new opportunities for people to learn and develop; bring communities together, virtually or physically – when safe to do so; and/or support the upkeep of local neighbourhood centres and facilities to keep communities strong.

To find out more about the South West Water Neighbourhood Fund, visit southwestwater.co.uk/community/support/neighbourhood-fund.