A MID-Norfolk village that has suffered a number of setbacks in recent years, has been given a cash injection to improve its appearance and facilities.

A MID-Norfolk village that has suffered a number of setbacks in recent years, has been given a cash injection to improve its appearance and facilities.

Caston, near Watton, has been awarded �10,000 from the National Lottery Awards for All Grant to support its scheme to 'Bootify' the area by rejuvenating the green, the village hall, and purchasing new seating and litter picking equipment.

The funds have already been used to pay for a playgroup storage shed that was erected on the grounds of Caston Primary School on Monday, December 7 .

A list of further improvements are set to be implemented by October 2010 including:

�Flower filled planters placed at the main entrances of the village.

�The footpath to the telephone box and the bus shelter re-surfaced with gold chip tarmac, widened to meet the Disability Discrimination Act requirements, and extended to meet a new seat on the green.

�The parking area on the green to be surfaced to match the new path.

�Two new parish notice boards fitted at the village hall and at the other side of Northacre.

�A new seat in the bus shelter to provide a better facility for individuals using public transport.

�Specialist litter picking equipment bought for volunteers to maintain village upkeep.

�Subject to payment of professional fees for the transaction costs, the 'green space' fronting Coronation Terrace, Attleborough Road will be 'gifted' from Breckland District Council to the Parish Council. This space will have a native species hedge planted along the road side providing an extra green space for the village.

The idea for enhancement came from residents and parish council members after mounting concerns were raised over the 'unkempt' look of the village, caused by the closure of the village pub and work to install a new sewage system, and the lack of simple amenities.

A village sub-committee was devised to investigate the issues which resulted in a plan for improvement and a successful application for lottery funding.

Parish councillors are hopeful that the new scheme will encourage more villagers to take part in community activities and help re-capture the 'excitement and 'uniqueness' that made it a runner-up in the 'Best Kept Village' awards.

Caston Camera club has already agreed to make a photographic record of the scheme, whilst volunteers are still needed to help fit the planters and manage a stall at the village fete that will fund their future maintenance.