Nether Wallop village hall enhances sustainability and accessibility with council funding
Nether Wallop Village Hall has further improved its facilities, thanks to support from Test Valley Borough Council (TVBC). A community grant of £12,286.85 from the government funded Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF) has enabled the hall to install solar batteries, allowing it to store excess energy from its solar panels—boosting sustainability and reducing running costs.
In addition to its green investment, the funding has also helped enhance accessibility and inclusivity. The hall, which regularly hosts talks and guest speakers, has used the grant to purchase a new lectern, computer, and accessories, alongside installing a hearing loop to ensure that events are more accessible to those who are hard of hearing.
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.”
Leader of Test Valley Borough Council, Councillor Phil North said; 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 commented: “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 project is just one example of how Test Valley Borough Council’s funding is helping to sustain and enhance community spaces across the borough. The council awards grants to local organisations that have clearly demonstrated both the need for support and the positive impact their projects will have on the wider community.
Join the TVCAN Network: If you manage a community building and are not yet part of the Test Valley Community Asset Network (TVCAN), get in touch with Marie Stubbington, TVBC’s Community Engagement Officer to find out how you can join the network of organisations and volunteers who run Village Halls & Community Associations within Test Valley, share resources, and access support & guidance: mstubbington@testvalley.gov.uk.