COMMUNITY groups in West Oxfordshire have been given almost £170,000 in grants to invest in facilities.

West Oxfordshire District Council has awarded the money to projects including a new Witney splash park, a village hall and a community centre.

The council believes the funding will help groups unlock up to £2m in grants from other bodies.

The Thomas Gifford Trust, which supports recreational activities in Charlbury, was given £47,500 towards a £1.25m community centre with a multi-use hall, library and cafe by the Spendlove Centre.

Finstock Parish Council will receive the same amount towards a £300,000 project to replace the old village hall. The building will include a large hall, kitchen smaller multi-purpose room, toilet and storage facilities.

A £45,000 grant will be given to Witney Town Council for its new splash park at The Leys recreation ground, pushing its fundraising total to within £20,000 of the total needed.

Other grants were given towards updating tennis courts in Long Hanborough, a new gym at Leafield sports pavilion, improving disabled access in North Leigh War Memorial Hall, two play area projects in Stanton Harcourt and masonry repair work in Combe Hill.

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