EIGHT community projects across Teignbridge, including play park upgrades, new BMX pump tracks and a community-owned village shop, are set to benefit from £200,000 of funding.

The cash has been awarded through Teignbridge Council’s Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) Match Fund.

Projects receiving funding include: improvements to play areas in Heathfield, Teign Village, Liverton and Ilsington.

Denbury Village Hall will be improved with upgraded accessibility, kitchen and bathroom facilities to support the creation of a community shop.

Funding will deliver and fit out the new Kingskerswell public hall and pay for new BMX pump tracks in Starcross and Kingsteignton.

Successful bids were received from parish councils in Bovey Tracey, Hennock, IIsington, Denbury, Starcross, Kingsteignton and Kingskerswell.

Elly Maynard, Clerk at Hennock Parish Council, said: ‘This is absolutely fabulous news and it will enable us to make our dreams and aspirations for the play park a reality.’

CIL funding comes from new developments and is used to improve local facilities and services for residents.

This year’s funding will support projects across the district, helping communities create and improve spaces that local people use every day.

Applications were assessed on how well they meet local needs, deliver value for money and provide long-term benefits for the community.

The CIL Match Fund helps town and parish councils improve local facilities and services for their communities.

Teignbridge District Council can fund up to half the cost of a project with the town or parish council providing the remaining funding.

Councillor David Palethorpe, Deputy Leader & Executive Member for Economy, Major Projects and Communications, said: ‘We’re delighted to be supporting these eight projects through the Community Infrastructure Levy Match Fund.

‘This funding will help bring a range of community projects to life, from improving places for children and young people to play to upgrading community facilities that residents rely on every day.

‘The successful applications show the ambition and commitment of our town and parish councils to invest in their communities.

‘These projects will create lasting benefits, improve local facilities and provide spaces where people can come together and thrive.

‘It’s important that money raised through development is invested back into local communities.

‘By working closely with our town and parish councils, we're helping to deliver projects that will strengthen communities and enhance quality of life across Teignbridge.’

The fund makes up to £200,000 available each year, with a maximum contribution of £100,000 per project.

The fund has two application rounds each year.

The quality of applications received in Round 1 was exceptionally high and showed the ambition of town and parish councils across Teignbridge to deliver projects that make a positive difference to their communities.

Round 2 will open at the beginning of the 2027/28 financial year.