Grants handed out in Breckland area

Almost �60,000 in grants was agreed by Breckland councillors for a range of community projects yesterday - including �24,000 for the thriving Wayland Radio.

The station was given a full-time licence last autumn and is broadcasting to a large area than originally planned around Wayland.

Wayland Radio - which is on 107.3FM - is reaching a wide range of people including over 65, youngsters and migrant communities.

Some shows are broadcast in Portuguese and Polish.

Breckland's cabinet agreed to give a grant of �24,000 from the area based grant settlement to help the station.

The council's director of community services Rob Walker said: 'It is a high profile community project and is getting regional and national recognition.'

The cabinet also supported match funding grants of �20,000 to Garboldisham Cricket Club and �11,700 Weeting Playland.

The cricket club is extending its pavilion and putting in a second wicket, which will allow it to expand its membership and increase its youth coaching programme.

The new play facilities for under 12s at Weeting are being provided by the parish council.

Cabinet members rejected an application of �15,064 from the Butterfly Conservation Trust for work in the Brecks as they felt there was 'limited evidence of community need' and concerns about its sustainability.

Other grants agreed by Breckland were: Mundford Parish Council (�250 to clear the dyke and improve an eyesore at the cricket club); North Pickenham Parish Council (�250 for the war memorial renovation); Swaffham Town Partnership (�250 for the Brightening Swaffham Gateways project); Swaffham and District Mental Health Association (�500 for an arts project for people with mental health issues); Scarning Parish Council (�500 for Bully of OZ project to raise awareness of bullying); Reach Out, Outreach (�500 to run art sessions in a Portuguese caf� in Dereham); Friends of Dad's Army Museum (�500 for 1940s dance classes); Dance Unleashed (�500 for dance workshops).