South Holland Council is to distribute around £550,000 from the Sutton Bridge Development Fund to help improve "out of date" facilities in the town.

The council has not yet decided how to spend the £1 million development fund, set up in 2005 in relation to Sutton Bridge Power Station, but cabinet members on Tuesday agreed two large donations to local schemes.

A report prepared for Tuesday's meeting recommended the Sutton Bridge Community Centre Fund receive £200,000 from the kitty, but councillors decided to more than double their donation to £450,000 after its chairman wrote to the cabinet requesting a larger share.

The group hopes to build a new multi-use centre, expected to cost around £900,000, which could include library facilities, creche and IT facilities. It has found widespread support in the town and members have already raised around £50,000.

Fund treasurer Miss Cynthia Tilley said: "It's excellent news because it's something we have worked towards for years. It makes the whole project absolutely viable. We have fundraised over the years but a big chunk like this makes it so viable that other contributors will consider filling the gap.

"We will still carry on with our own fundraising. The library is a missed facility and a must for the town."

The project, which began around nine years ago, will not be able to access the funds until the remaining funding has been found and a strong business plan put in place.

Cabinet members also approved a further £150,000, for smaller projects put forward by Sutton Bridge Town Council.

The report said: "Facilities have passed their useful lifespan and there appears to be a need for a new purpose-built facility.

"This has been a long- standing community aspiration.
"Sutton Bridge is relatively remote and access to many services is difficult."