A COMMUNITY trust in Wem has received a grant of more than £40,000 from a government recovery fund.

Wem Town Hall Community Trust has received £41,582 from the government’s £1.57bn Culture Recovery Fund to help the organisation recover and reopen after the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The trust operates Wem Town Hall as a multi-use community, arts and learning centre for public benefit.

Sue Yates, chairman of Wem Town Hall Community Trust said the grant will help to cover core costs.

She said: “The grant funding means that venue core costs are covered to the end of June and allows us to concentrate on re-opening safely and confidently.”

More than £300 million has been awarded to thousands of cultural organisations across the country including the Wem-based trust in the latest round of support from the Culture Recovery Fund, the Culture Secretary confirmed.

And more than £800 million in grants and loans has already been awarded to support almost 3,800 cinemas, performance venues, museums, heritage sites and other cultural organisations dealing with the immediate challenges of the coronavirus pandemic.

Culture Secretary, Oliver Dowden, said: “Our record breaking Culture Recovery Fund has already helped thousands of culture and heritage organisations across the country survive the biggest crisis they've ever faced.

“Now we’re staying by their side as they prepare to welcome the public back through their doors - helping our cultural gems plan for reopening and thrive in the better times ahead."