COMMUNITY and cultural groups in the Eastleigh borough are to benefit from a major cash injection.

More than £70,000 has been granted to groups across the district in a bid to ensure cultural and community organisations continue with their work.

Among the groups set to benefit are the Queen Elizabeth II Silver Jubilee Activity Centre at River Hamble Country Park, the Bursledon-based Pilands Wood Community Association and The Point Theatre in Eastleigh.

The Queen Elizabeth II Silver Jubilee Activity Centre has been awarded £9,400 to continue providing day and residential opportunities for people with additional needs, including those with disabilities, autism and sensory impairments, while £9,435 have been given to Pilands Wood Community Association to support work including a youth group, a memory café and charity shop.

Meanwhile, The Point Theatre has been given £50,000 to develop new performing arts work and reach countywide audiences.

Welcoming the news, artistic director Sacha Lee, said: “This is excellent news for The Point and the people of Hampshire to be able to access high quality arts activity.

"With the current pressures on government funding, The Point is best placed to continue to offer a wide programme designed to engage, inspire and ensure that both young, old and everyone in between has the opportunity to enhance their lives through the arts.”

Grants have been awarded by county councillor Andrew Gibson, executive member for culture, recreation and countrysideand come from the Culture and Recreation Fund and Community Buildings Capital Fund.

Cllr Gibson said: “This round of funding will help Hampshire’s cultural and community organisations continue with their diverse and valued work, for residents of all ages through arts, learning and culture. Importantly, a good number of organisations are focussing on ensuring that those at risk of social isolation are not forgotten, but integrated into positive, inclusive activities at the heart of their communities.”