THEATRES, community halls and museums in East Hampshire have been given a welcome boost with grants worth more than £50,000 by Hampshire County Council.

Councillor Andrew Gibson approved Culture and Recreation Investment Fund grants to 16 venues, four in East Hampshire, worth in total £586,440.

The East Hampshire grants went to the Privett Centre, awarded £8,030 to help children from urban schools experience the countryside near Petersfield

The Oates Memorial Library and Gilbert White Museum at Selborne, who got £20,000 to support the it’s collections and activities.

Bordon’s Phoenix Theatre and Arts Centre, the only full-time cultural centre in East Hampshire, received £13,600, and Horndean Community Association was awarded £7,700 to support projects and activities for vulnerable groups and those on low incomes.

Councillor Gibson also approved Community Investment Fund grants to six community groups worth £50,805.

He said: “These grants make a big difference to Hampshire’s much valued cultural, recreational and community groups. Many people of all ages and walks of life enjoy the activities and events on offer at these local theatres, museums and art venues. These grants also support community groups who play such a vital role in local life, often in deprived areas. This complements our work supporting the wider economic, cultural and social wellbeing for Hampshire residents and all the benefits that brings.”