A VILLAGE hall has been awarded funds for solar panels to make it more energy efficient and sustainable after a district council released more cash from a community pot.

Richmondshire District Council handed out more than £20,000 at a strategy board meeting on Tuesday, June 11 from its Communities Opportunities Fund.

Projects included solar panels and a new boiler for Eppleby and Forcett Village Hall, a centre of disadvantaged youths at Richmond YMCA, CCTV for Gallowfields Trading Estate in Richmond, and a new car park surface for Dalton and Gayles Village Hall.

Another sum of £10,000 was put aside for Leyburn Guides and Scout Hall - but was not immediately released because councillors believed the project may be eligible for an Awards for All grant.

Richmondshire District Council deputy leader Mick Griffiths said: “I think all village halls with a south-facing roof should get solar panels because it helps to keep them sustainable and it will keep costs down for its users.

“Eppelby Village Hall committee will actually be paying the council the money back for the panels after six years when they make the money back.”

Richmond YMCA received a grant of £9,023 towards a £99,523 project; Eppleby and Fawcett Village Hall received £9,330 towards a £15,162 plan; Gallowfields Trading Estate businesses asked for £5,934 towards £15,289 CCTV; and Dalton and Gayles Village Hall was awarded £4,500, in addition to a previous £9,450 from the council towards a £17,089 project.