ALMOST �4,000 of grants were dished out to community groups, projects and events this week proving that the economic climate hasn t diminished the town council s commitment to good causes.

ALMOST �4,000 of grants were dished out to community groups, projects and events this week proving that the economic climate hasn't diminished the town council's commitment to good causes.

The money dished out was almost a quarter of the total council grants budget of �16,000 that has been set aside for good causes up to 2010.

Members of the Finance Committee last Monday backed a �750 grant to the Exmouth Eagles Youth Football Team.

This will help pay for pitches for the boys team which cost �700 a season, and for astro-turf training at Exmouth Community College, which costs �400.

One of the Exmouth Archery Club's rising stars was awarded �250, from the Exmouth Projects Fund, towards a bow professional international-standard competition bow.

The full requested grant of �500 was awarded to the Exmouth ICE Project, to work with young people in educational and community work.

A fifth of the overall �5,000 cost to provide a new outdoor play area for three to five year olds was handed out to Bassetts Farm Pre-School while the full requested amount of �350 was granted to the South West Brass Band Association who have set up shop in the town.

A project helping Exmouth families who have financial concerns and health issues relating to it, In a Heartbeat received �200 - while the hugely anticipated River Exe Regatta received the full grant of �500.

This will help promote the event and cover licence fees.

Town clerk John Wokersien said: "Grants are determined on two occasions each year...the Finance Committee on June 15 considered allocating up to 60 per cent of the grant fund (�9,600) and the meeting on November 9 will consider allocating up to 30 per cent (�4,800).

"The remaining 10 per cent (�1,600) will be held in reserve for urgent requests which would not otherwise have been foreseen."

The rules were changed into three 'tranches' because it was seen as fairer.