There will be a guaranteed warm welcome at one village hall, thanks to almost £12,000 of investment from the Lakes to Sea Community Panel.
The panel of local councillors made the award to help Blindcrake Village Hall committee replace its heating system.
The new system, which requires additional funding from elsewhere, will use an air source heat pump, solar panels and batteries. The hope is to create a warm space with power and wifi that can also be used as a community hub during storms and power cuts.
The investment supports the panel’s priorities of accessible services; supporting local facilities and activities; and addressing climate change.
Cllr Sally Lansbury, Chair of the Lakes to Sea Community Panel, said: "It is wonderful to be able to make grass roots investments that make an immediate difference to the lives of our communities.
"I encourage other community groups and Parish Councils to get in touch and see if there is funding available to help with their own initiatives. The community panels are here to help."
At the same meeting, £3,000 was awarded to the Workington Town Community Trust for story sacks that will be used in Maryport schools, and the Brigham War Memorial Hall received £3,528 towards renovating the venue's toilets.
Members noted £461 for Cockermouth Town Council towards a larger gazebo for public events.
The Lakes to Sea panel appointed a new Chairperson - Cllr Sally Lansbury, councillor for the Keswick ward. Cllr Jill Perry (Bothel and Wharrels) remains as Vice-chair.
Cumberland Council’s eight Community Panels put residents at the heart of decision making in their communities by encouraging engagement and participation. Made up of ward councillors and sometimes co-opted members, they work with residents, businesses and partners to ensure community investment is well-focused and effective.
The Lakes to Sea Community Panel covers the wards of Bothel and Wharrels, Cockermouth North, Cockermouth South, Dearham and Broughton, Keswick, Maryport North and Maryport South.
The application deadline for the next round of Community Panel support for the Lakes to Sea area is 25 August. If you are an organisation looking for support, email lakestoseacp@cumberland.gov.uk for more information, or visit Community Panels | Cumberland Council
Pictured: Cllr Sally Lansbury, Chair of the Lakes to Sea Community Panel.