New grant scheme from a leftover fund in North Devon

Go North Devon cash will continue to help older people and those with mobility issues

Around £120,000 left by a North Devon organisation which folded last month will be offered as grants to community groups and charities that support older people and those with mobility problems.

Go North Devon, which for 30 years ran community transport like ring and ride and other services to keep people active and mobile in the Barnstaple area, is transferring the money it has left to North Devon Council for the grant scheme.

‘Keep North Devon Connected’ will run from 2024 to 2027, donating £40,000 a year  in grants of up to £5,000.

Councillors gave permission for a senior council worker to approve applications, although for more than £5,000 have to be discussed with the council leader.

A quarter of North Devon’s residents are over 65, and one in five has a disability that limits their day-to-day activities.

When Go North Devon announced its closure, Mid Devon Mobility stepped in to take over the ring and ride service and has been operating it since the end of August.

Comments on Go North Devon’s Facebook page said its closure “a great loss to the community.”