Rural businesses and organisations in Leicestershire can apply for grants to help support and enhance vital community and economic facilities.  The Leicestershire Rural Partnership’s (LRP) programme is supported by Leicester Shire Economic Partnership (LSEP) and East Midlands Development Agency (emda).

The Vibrant Villages programme is offering grants between £750 and £5,000 to rural shops and post offices, and between £750 and £10,000 to existing community spaces such as village halls, rooms within places of worship and schools.  Applicants must contribute a minimum of 50% of total eligible project costs.

The programme aims to minimise the impact of post office closures by helping remaining post offices to enhance their services, while also supporting mobile and community-run services.

Support, including free retail advice, is available for local shops, especially where they provide the only service in the village. A priority is to assist shops affected by closure of post offices and the scheme encourages shops to sell fresh local produce.

Lesley Pendleton, Chairman of the LRP and Leicestershire County Council Cabinet Member for Rural Affairs, said: “We all know how important local village shops, post offices and community facilities are to the well-being of our rural communities. The Vibrant Villages programme will ensure the sustainability of these essential services by encouraging businesses to improve and enhance the services they provide.”