FOUR good causes are now £3,000 better off thanks to the public vote in this year’s Lloyds Bank community fund.

Beneficiaries are the Doorway Project and St Nicholas School, both in Chippenham, Scouts in Calne and Alzheimer’s Support.

The money is a big boost for Doorway and means it can afford to keep on its two support workers and support services manager, as well as five admin staff.

It has had to take on extra staff this year because it has been so busy.

Its drop-in centre for homeless and marginalised people offers one-to-one support, hot meals, showers and laundry, as well as befriending and signposting to other agencies.

Chief executive Lisa Lewis said: “£3,000 might seem like a little amount of money, but for us it’s a significant amount. It’s going to go on support workers’ salaries – absolutely critical front-line staff. We are grateful because there have been times in the past when we have been two weeks off closing.

“We only ever have three months of funding in the bank at one time and that’s at a good time, so to get that amount in the bank is really important.”

Calne Scouts are also thankful to have received £3,000. They need to raise £300,000 for an extension to their hall at Quarr Barton.

Chairman Mike Curry said: “We’re really pleased with the support that our local community has provided. It’s an absolutely huge big thank you to anyone who took the time to vote.

“It makes only a slight dint in the overall fundraising target but it’s a good start. We obviously need to start making further applications to grant holders. If anyone is willing to help us raise the money, let us know.”

Another Wiltshire charity to benefit is Alzheimer’s Support, based in Trowbridge but with a drop-in centre in Sidmouth Street, Devizes. The Sidmouth Club offers respite care and sessions designed to stimulate the memory.

Also awarded £300 each were Chippenham-based North Wilts Holiday Club, and the Open Blue Trust, which uses a converted double-decker bus as a mobile community centre.

Graham Lindsay, group director for business at Lloyds Banking Group, said: “Lloyds Bank scaled up the fund in 2013 and in return we have had an incredible response from the public.

“We know that receiving a promotional boost and public support is as important as the financial investment and can have a sustained impact on groups.”