A TOTAL of nine organisations in the Taunton area are to get a share of almost £1million from the Government's Culture Recovery Fund.

The second tranche of the awards are being made available to arts, culture and heritage organisations across England.

Awards in Taunton Deane in the second round of grants under the initiative are:

  • Taunton Theatre Association Ltd, £96,878.
  • Creative Innovation Centre CIC, £34,254.
  • South West Heritage Trust, £63,500.
  • The Production Boutique (production company), £68,700.
  • Hestercombe Gardens Trust, £649,300.
  • Parochial Church Council of St James Halse, £9,800.
  • Ash Priors Holy Trinity Church, £11,600.
  • West Somerset Railway Heritage Trust Ltd, £13,100.
  • Parochial Church Council of St Mary Magdalene, £45,700.

The latest handouts come after £1.5million was awarded locally in the autumn.

The funding will help with costs for operating, reopening and recovery following the pandemic, as well as allow construction and maintenance, helping to preserve visitor attractions and protect livelihoods for some of the most vulnerable heritage specialists and contractors in the sector.

Taunton Deane MP Rebecca Pow said: “This further support for our nation’s arts and heritage is welcome news and I am delighted that we are benefitting from an additional £1million on top of the £1.5 million already awarded locally at the end of last year.

"It will enable these local organisations to plan for reopening and help them recover in the months ahead.”

Culture Secretary, Oliver Dowden, said: “Our record-breaking Culture Recovery Fund has already helped thousands of culture and heritage organisations across the country survive the biggest crisis they've ever faced.

"Now we’re staying by their side as they prepare to welcome the public back through their doors - helping our cultural gems plan for reopening and thrive in the better times ahead.”