A NEW community building in a village near Thame has been given a major funding boost.

South Oxfordshire District Council (SODC) is awarding Chinnor Parish Council £220,000 of Government New Homes Bonus funding, given to councils where new homes are being built.

The new facility in Chinnor will feature a function room, kitchen and bar, four sports changing rooms, a clubroom, a meeting room and an office.

The building, on playing fields in Station Road, is expected to cost £780,000. Work will begin in the autumn and take 10 months to complete.

SODC leader Ann Ducker said: “Funding community buildings in areas with significant new housing is exactly what we had in mind when we set aside £500,000 of New Homes Bonus funding this year to support growing populations.

“This is a fantastic project and will be a real asset to the community that both residents and visitors can be proud of.”

Parish council clerk Liz Folley said: “This is a significant sum that shows generous support from the district council and will be a key feature in securing funding from other bodies.”

Last year the district council awarded £250,000 to Cholsey Parish Council for a new community pavilion.

Communities can still apply for New Homes Bonus funding from SODC, with £280,000 remaining.