Nether Wallop Village Hall has taken steps to improve both its sustainability and accessibility, thanks to a community grant from Test Valley Borough Council (TVBC).
A total of £12,286.85, funded through the government-backed Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF), has enabled the hall to install solar batteries, allowing it to store excess energy from its existing solar panels. This upgrade will help reduce running costs and boost the hall’s environmental credentials.
The grant has also supported improvements to make the venue more inclusive. The hall has purchased a new lectern, computer and accessories, and installed a hearing loop to better support visitors with hearing impairments. These enhancements are expected to improve the experience for attendees at the hall’s regular talks, guest speaker events, and community activities.
Cllr Stewart Macdonald said:
“Nether Wallop Village Hall is a fantastic example of how community grants can make a real difference. The new solar batteries will help make the hall more sustainable, while the improved accessibility ensures that even more residents can enjoy the events and activities on offer.”
Councillor Phil North, Leader of Test Valley Borough Council, added:
“Village halls play a vital role in bringing people together, and it’s great to see Nether Wallop investing in both its future and its inclusivity. The council is committed to supporting community spaces like this, ensuring they remain at the heart of village life.”
Viv Blandford, a resident and volunteer from Nether Wallop Village Hall, said:
“With this grant, we’ve been able to make meaningful upgrades that benefit both the environment and our community. From sustainable energy storage to better facilities for our events, this support has been invaluable in keeping our village hall a thriving and inclusive space.”
This is one of several projects across the borough supported by TVBC’s community grants programme. The council continues to work with local organisations that clearly demonstrate the need for support and the positive impact of their work.
For more information about grants available for community buildings, visit the Test Valley Borough Council website.
Join the TVCAN Network
If you manage a community building and are not yet part of the Test Valley Community Asset Network (TVCAN), contact Marie Stubbington (email: mstubbington@testvalley.gov.uk), TVBC’s Community Engagement Officer, to find out how you can join this network of organisations and volunteers running village halls and community associations across Test Valley.