LETCHWORTH: Nearly £50,000 has been awarded to two community groups in our town to help them make substantial changes to their buildings to better serve local residents.

Following a meeting of North Herts District Council's Community Facilities Capital Grants Panel the cash was granted in capital funding to various groups.

This included Letchworth Garden City Community Group, who were awarded £36,000 towards replacing the heating system in Mrs Howard Memorial Hall.

The existing boilers break down frequently during winter and users often report how cold the building is.

Although there have been a variety of repairs over the years, the two boilers are becoming obsolete, with parts difficult to source and neither meet current efficiency standards.

The new heating system is expected to reduce energy bills with a lesser impact on the environment.

The building in Howard Park, Norton Way South, is owned by the council, and leased to the group.

Hall Manager Bobby Singh said: "Every winter, there has been a huge concern whether the heating system would work from one week to the next.

"The building caters for some of the most vulnerable families and people locally. This funding will allow us to help support their needs, by installing a modern heating system, that can be relied upon, to create a warm and welcoming environment within the building.

"To receive this funding has been absolutely brilliant for the Memorial Hall and for the local community."

Letchworth Corner Sports Club were awarded £10,000 towards the refurbishment of their changing and shower facilities at their premises in Whitethorn Lane, Lordship, with members contributing £13,000 towards the refurb.

The Community Amateur Sports Club provides its members with facilities for hockey, cricket, football, bowls, lacrosse and weight-lifting.

Ian Hammond, Club Treasurer, said: "As a not-for-profit Community Amateur Sports Club we provide local residents the opportunity to enjoy a range of sporting activities as well as a pleasant social family environment.

"Awards such as this enable us to improve our facilities and increase opportunities for the local community.

"We are delighted to be awarded this grant and our sincere thanks to North Herts District Council for supporting our ongoing refurbishment project at Letchworth Corner Sports Club."

The current condition and design of the men's changing room and showers provide inadequate ventilation and do not meet Covid safety requirements.

By providing a diverse range of sports, the club contributes to improving the physical and mental health of its members through exercise, fun and friendship.

Councillor Judi Billing, Executive Member for Community Engagement, added: "It's wonderful that we are able to support these community facilities to provide a wealth of services to enhance the lives of our residents.

"Mrs Howard Memorial Hall is not just a community centre but a community hub, a versatile building richly steeped in history.

"As Letchworth's first public building opened in 1906, it continues to provide a range of uses today, for baby and toddler groups, exercise and hobby classes for young people and adults, even dog training. The new heating system will help ensure the building can stay in use well into the future.

"Sporting activities have such a positive impact on mental and physical health and really help people come together. Team sports and sporting hubs have been greatly missed during the pandemic, and offer a substantial benefit to people's wellbeing and local community spirit."