COMMUNITY groups across west Wiltshire impacted by the coronavirus crisis have received cash grants from Wessex Water’s annual community fund.

They include Alzheimer’s Support, Bradford on Avon Bowls Club, East Knoyle Village Hall, Trowbridge Future, Young Melksham and West Wilts Multi-Faith Forum.

Cllr Jon Hubbard, chairman of Young Melksham trustees, said they will use their grant to extend their community outreach youth work to parks and outlying villages during the summer holidays.

He added: "We are delighted to receive this funding which will help us to further develop our offer to young people in the Melksham community during the summer holidays.

"Clearly, with all that has happened in the past two months, and the challenges we all face in the months ahead we will need to adapt our work but we are looking forward to get back to it.”

The Bath-based water and sewerage company has provided around £15,000 worth of grants to local community groups, organisations and charities.

Community groups throughout Wiltshire applied for grants of up to £1,500. Wiltshire Community Foundation will distribute the cash to projects aiming to bring communities closer together.

The funding will also support vulnerable groups impacted by the coronavirus outbreak.

Kirsty Scarlett, head of community engagement at Wessex Water said: “By funding groups which are on the frontline of need, such as foodbanks, community cafés and mental health support, we are helping people through this emergency every day.”

“The funding will also be used to carry out a number of projects in the future which will help to build stronger communities in the area.”