New Forest projects get cash boost from South Western Railway’s £1.5m community funding pot

COMMUNITY projects across the New Forest are set to benefit from a share of South Western Railway’s £1.5m funding pot.

The Customers and Communities Improvement Fund will support 58 schemes across its network, with four local initiatives receiving a cash boost.

Lymington Community Centre will receive a £52,325 grant for a Changing Places toilet facility, while PEDALL New Forest Inclusive Cycling, based in Brockenhurst, will get £44,000.

New Milton Town Council is to receive £15,000 for its socially prescribed cookery classes, which it runs in collaboration with GPs, and Hampshire County Council will be awarded £13,155 for a therapeutic outdoor classroom at Minstead Study Centre.

County-spanning projects benefitting everyone across SWR’s network will also receive funding. These include the Samaritans, which will use its £35,035 to reduce suicide rates, and Active Vision, which will receive £25,605 to support 30 vision impaired people with guide dogs.

Peter Williams, SWR’s customer and commercial director, said this year’s funding round will help “bring these projects to life”.

“We are always looking for ways to support the local communities our network serves,” he said. “These schemes will provide very real benefits for people and we look forward to seeing them completed and flourishing.”