News on HS2 in Northants

Two projects have been awarded funding in Northamptonshire as part of the HS2 Community and Business Funds.

The Eydon Village Hall refurbishment project will make the building fit for purpose, replacing damaged flooring and upgrading electric, lighting and security systems. Kitchen and toilet facilities will be updated to bring them to a modern and inclusive standard and doors will be improved to enhance security. Lighting and stage equipment will be modernised to meet the needs of the local drama group, enabling them to use the stage twice a year for their summer play and Christmas pantomime.

Evenley Parish Council will support a small number of projects centred around the village green, cricket pitch and traditional village hall. The project aims to encourage health, fitness and comfort for residents, providing a sustainable legacy to improve the community environment for all ages.

The village hall will be improved with a new boiler and oven, replacement skylight and redecoration of the kitchen and cloakrooms, while a pair of steel football goals on the green will replace the previous plastic ones. A new cricket roller will also be supplied. A heritage sign will be placed at the entry to the village on the edge of the green to welcome visitors and residents. The sign will have brackets, so that cricket matches and events can be publicised. Footpath gates will make parish footpaths more accessible, replacing two of the less accessible stiles with kissing gates, and footpath signage will be improved.

Our Community and Environment Fund (CEF) and the Business and Local Economy Fund (BLEF) for Phase One are worth £40 million. They give local communities and businesses disrupted by the construction of HS2 the opportunity to receive funding of up to £1 million for projects to improve their local area or support their local economy.

The community and business funds are administered and managed by independent community charity, Groundwork UK. For more information on Groundwork and the funds, including how to apply, visit https://hs2funds.org.uk/ .

You can also watch our short videos which explain how to best demonstrate that your project meets the criteria for the Community, Environment or Business Funds.

If you have any questions about the Community and Business Funds, HS2 or our works, please contact our HS2 Helpdesk team on 08081 434 434 or email hs2enquiries@hs2.org.uk .