West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin has welcomed news which will see the Government continue to fund work carried out by local charity Community First. The charity is part of the Rural Community Council scheme which is a national network of bodies set up to help rural communities and voluntary organsiations as well as providing information to Government and local authorities to help plan for the future. Harriett met with the local management team to discuss its work at its Malvern HQ last Friday (January 23). Last week, the Department for the Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs confirmed that it will continue its funding after a review into its activities. Harriett commented: “As a rural MP, I value the long-standing work of local charity Community First. We share an aspiration to support our wonderful village halls, to allow affordable rural housing, to nurture local community interest corporations and social enterprises and to extend broadband into every last rural corner of West Worcestershire.” “I am glad that the question mark over the DEFRA funding has been removed and I hope that Community First will be able to take on more work supporting out rural villages.” Alan Courtney, chair of Community First added: “We are very appreciative of the large amount of support we have had, notably from Harriett Baldwin MP, and also local community leaders and people who have used our services.” | Community First