Communities affected by the construction of HS2 in Warwickshire have received £1.4m from HS2 to enhance benefit their local area.
The funds opened five years ago and 28 projects in Warwickshire have secured funding from the HS2 Community and Environment Fund (CEF).
Funding has also been secured from the HS2 Business and Local Economy Fund (BLEF) with the support of Warwickshire County Council.
The projects include village hall refurbishments, improved sports facilities, nature reserves improvements, new play areas and town centre promotion.
This follows the recent announcement that the first stage of HS2 tunnelling work has been completed under the Chilterns.
HS2 has created the community and business funds along the route for communities demonstrably affected by the construction of HS2.
Councillor Wallace Redford, Warwickshire County Council Portfolio Holder for Transport commented on the HS2 funding.
Cllr Redford said: “We are delighted people are pulling together and successfully bidding for HS2 funding.
“We wish them well with delivering the projects and hope they will be enjoyed by local communities for many years to come.
“Whether people agree with the HS2 scheme or not, it is important that Warwickshire is allocated a fair share of this funding pot.
“I want to encourage more local groups to bid for a share of HS2 funding to gain some benefit for the places affected by the construction… of the railway.
“The majority of the successful projects have sought practical support and expert guidance from the county council’s HS2 Project Team in preparing their submissions.”
Further information on HS2 in Warwickshire can be found on the Warwickshire County Council website.
