Stratford-on-Avon District Council has supported the installation of new community noticeboards across the district, helping residents and visitors stay informed and connected.

In early 2025, Town and Parish Councils, community venues and local groups were invited to apply for funding to install new community noticeboards in their areas. Following a successful application round, eight projects were approved in April, with over £6,500 awarded to support installations at the following locations:

• Bishops Itchington - by the play area and recreation ground
• Clifford Chambers - on the Village Green
• Fenny Compton - outside the village hall, opposite the shop, and at Compton Lock playground
• Gaydon - outside Gaydon Village Shop
• Kinwarton - at St Mary's Park
• Pillerton Priors - outside Pillerton Priors Village Hall
• Shipston - at Cornmill Meadows Local Wildlife Site
• Southam - outside Tithe Lodge

The noticeboards are already playing an important role in village life, sharing a wide range of information for local communities. Content includes Parish Council notices, local business adverts, clubs and village events, volunteering opportunities, guided walks, maps, wildlife and hedgehog care advice, and information about local history and points of interest.

Cllr Liz Coles, Stratford-on-Avon District Council's Portfolio Holder for Housing, Revenues and Customer Services, said: "I am delighted that we have been able to support the purchase of these community noticeboards across the district. In a rural area where social isolation and digital exclusion can be real challenges, noticeboards provide a vital way to share local information, support residents and help build strong, cohesive communities."

Feedback from successful applicants has been overwhelmingly positive.

Cllr Gill Forman, Chair of Kinwarton Parish Council, said: "We are delighted to receive a grant from Stratford District Council for a new noticeboard in the parish. The noticeboard has brightened up St Mary's Park and provides an invaluable means of communication and source of information for the parishioners."

Araminta Chesters, Treasurer at Pillerton Priors Village Hall, said: "The new village hall noticeboard is very eye?catching and has been very well received by the villagers. The village hall is tucked away behind hedging and, in the past, both Scouts and hall hirers from outside the village have asked for clearer signage. The noticeboard will also allow us to promote local events being held at the hall and across the Parish."

Hilary Kelly, Chair of the Environment Working Group in Shipston, added: "It has been lovely to have a noticeboard with our logo on, where we can communicate directly with people using our wildlife site. It enables us to share updates on improvements and gives visitors the opportunity to let us know what they have seen while visiting."