A total of £320,000 is up for grabs as South Oxfordshire District Council opens applications for its capital grant funding scheme.

Designed to enhance thriving communities and improve residents' quality of life, this initiative promises to bring multiple benefits across the area.

In possession of the sizeable budget, the council aims to provide organisations with the financial backing required for capital projects, like improving buildings or play areas.

Previous successful applicants have used the cash to construct new community amenities, modernise playgrounds and playing fields, and introduce electric vehicle chargers and solar panels to community buildings.

The Warborough Sports Pavilion, Mill Meadows Adventure Playground in Henley and Crowmarsh Pavilion have enjoyed significant revitalisation thanks to the South Oxfordshire District Council’s Capital Grant Scheme.

Warborough Parish Council spokeperson said: "The community now has a pavilion which is no longer crumbling, and of which it can be proud.

"We look forward to welcoming parties, meetings and other users.

"The Warborough Sports Pavilion has been reborn for community use for the decades to come."

Sheridan Jacklin‑Edward from Henley Town Council said: “The new adventure playground at Mill Meadows has been a huge success.

"We’ve been able to make it more inclusive and accessible and created a biodiversity net gain through an innovative and exciting planting scheme.”

Elma Lahive from UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology who visited the new meeting room facilities at Crowmarsh Pavilion said: “We used the pavilion for our science team away days.

"We found the cosy setting and the kitchen facilities to be perfect for our group activities while also enjoying the outdoor table tennis and picnic facilities during our downtime.”

Cllr Georgina Heritage, cabinet member for communities at South Oxfordshire District Council said: “It’s fantastic to see projects from previous grant rounds come to completion and being enjoyed by local communities.

"The Capital Grant scheme has such a huge scope to help organisations fund large projects they may not otherwise be able to afford.

"We encourage our local voluntary sector and town and parish councils to grasp this funding opportunity to help bring impactful projects to life.”

The news comes as voluntary and community organisations in South Oxfordshire can now apply for up to £75,000 in funding - as the new 2024/25 round of the Capital Grant opened on 8 July.

The council has a total budget of £320,000, 15 per cent of which will be reserved for smaller projects - applications close September 2.

All interested organisations can apply online via the council’s website.