AN extra £1m worth of grants to revamp or repair community centres and village halls is now up for grabs.

Money will be granted to those who can prove their project would boost usage.

A maximum of £25,000 is available for projects meeting certain criteria.

Normally match funding of 50 per cent of the total project costs would be expected.

Two or three grants of up to £200,000 are also for larger projects.

Hampshire County Council bosses have made the £1m available on top of £125,000 already released after the budget to safeguard community facilities.

Final decisions on applications will be made by the Executive Member for Culture, Recreation and Countryside, Councillor Keith Chapman. Cllr Chapman said: “I am thrilled that this year there is more money available for these grants which are so important for community cohesion.

“Village halls and community associations are a valuable asset in every local area and vital in providing an activity hub that brings together local people of all ages.

“The county council’s contributions enable improvements to be made to their buildings, which helps to ensure that they continue their valuable work within the community.”