MARIA Caulfield is urging village halls to make sure they apply for part of a £3 million fund to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

The Platinum Jubilee Village Hall Improvement Grant Fund, announced today, aims to offer a significant boost to rural communities with 125 village halls set to benefit, allowing vital modernisation.

It will provide money over three years to support improvements such as installing wi-fi, extending buildings and modernising facilities to encourage more people to make use of their village halls and bring communities together.

The MP for Lewes said: “I have been to hundreds of community events at the many village halls across my constituency and I know just how vital they are to the communities that they serve.

“I am urging all of the village halls locally to look into applying for part of this £3 million fund to mark the Platinum Jubilee.

“Whether it is modern toilets, new wi-fi or an extension, this fund could really help make the difference to village halls in the Lewes constituency.”

Lord Benyon, Minister for Rural Affairs, said the fund was a “fitting tribute” to the Queen’s 70 years of service as head of state.

He said: “In a changing world, village halls are important facilities for community groups, social clubs and local services.

“They are the centrepiece of rural life and this funding will ensure they are central to the fabric of our villages for many more years to come.”

The fund will build on the success of previous schemes to commemorate both Queen Victoria and King George.