TWO good causes in Ilminster have been backed by the town council with increased funding in line for both.

At a meeting of Ilminster Town Council’s resources committee last week, members agreed to continue providing a subsidy grant to a youth and community centre in the town.

Meanwhile, councillors also voted to publicly put their weight behind the Warehouse Theatre’s Old Bakery expansion scheme.

In recent years, the town council has provided a subsidy grant of £2,000 for the Ile Youth and Community Centre.

This year, the group applied for an increase in funding to £3,000.

Discussing the application, Cllr Philip Burton, chairman of the resources committee, said: “This is a really great cause.”

Cllr Val Keitch, the mayor of Ilminster, added: “I fully agree that we should support the youth club and in particular this building.”

Meanwhile, Cllr Andrew Shearman said: “With our grants being cut and money being tight, we can’t afford it, let alone justify it.

“I would happily propose that we give them £2,000 as we have done in the past, but £3,000 is a step too far.”

As the town council had put aside £2,000 for the Ile Youth Club in their last budget, the resources committee agreed with Cllr Shearman that this was the amount to be received.

Meanwhile, Ilminster’s Warehouse Theatre had contacting the town council asking for a show of support ahead of a major grant hearing.

The theatre has applied for a £12,500 grant from South Somerset District Council, which is due to be heard today (Wednesday).

If approved, this will make up 10 per cent of the Warehouse Theatre’s current fundraising drive.

Cllr Shearman said: “The current theatre is becoming grossly inadequate for their requirements.

“I would be in support of their application. We don’t have any money, but we can certainly provide a letter of support.”

Cllr Fowler added: “The Old Bakery will be additional facilities for rehearsal space, set building and storage of props.”

The Ilminster Entertainment Society is hoping a final fundraising push, which includes the grant application, will be enough to see them hit their £125,000 target by the end of March.

A fundraising floristry demonstration is also set to be held at the theatre by Cottage Flowers’ Angie Blackwell.

The event on March 27 from 10am until 1pm. Tickets are £10. Call 01460 53020.