Council Supported Local Initiatives
Hatherleigh Community Market
Hatherleigh Town Council played an important role in supporting the delivery of the new Hatherleigh Community Market facility which opened in 2024. Working alongside key stakeholders to help create a modern, fit-for-purpose facility for the town. Councillors helped establish a dedicated working group to steer the project and supported the formation of a Community Benefit Society to lease and operate the market. Through this collaborative approach, the Council has helped secure funding towards the costs of delivering the facility, ensured good governance and a viable business plan to ensure a sustainable future for this valuable community asset, making sure it continues to benefit residents, traders and visitors for generations to come.
Visit Hatherleigh Website
Hatherleigh Town Council is committed to promoting the town as a thriving destination for visitors while supporting local businesses and the wider economy. In 2022, the Council secured post COVID-19 recovery funding to develop the Visit Hatherleigh tourism website, creating a central hub for local information, events and businesses. The project also delivered a comprehensive town events calendar and business directory, making it easier for visitors to discover everything Hatherleigh has to offer. To further raise the town’s profile, large welcome signs were installed on the main approaches to Hatherleigh, highlighting Hatherleigh’s excellent businesses and facilities and encouraging more people to stop and explore the town.
Hatherleigh Town Allotments
Green-fingered residents can enjoy the Hatherleigh Town Allotments, located beside Madewell Café on the A386 just north of the town. The site comprises 13 allotment plots, offering residents the opportunity to grow their own fruit, vegetables and flowers.
Hatherleigh Town Council jointly funded this project to help get it started.
Anyone interested in joining the waiting list for an allotment plot can contact the association at hatherleigh.allotment.assoc@gmail.com.
Island Park
2009 – Island Park Play Park – Hatherleigh Town Council was pleased to support the creation of the Island Park Play Park, which opened in 2009 to provide a modern and safe recreational space for local children and families. The Council contributed funding towards the project and worked alongside the appointed play park contractors and project partners to help facilitate its delivery. The play park remains a well-used and valued community asset, providing generations of young people with opportunities for outdoor play, exercise and social interaction.
2013 – Island Park Skate Park – Hatherleigh Town Council was proud to support the creation of the Island Park Skate Park, which officially opened in 2013 after several years of planning and fundraising. Hatherleigh Town Council worked alongside the Hatherleigh Skate Group which led the project with wide range of local organisations, businesses and volunteers, the Council helped bring the project to life through practical support and partnership working. The award-winning facility stands as a lasting example of what can be achieved when a community comes together, providing a valued recreational space for young people and families to enjoy for generations to come.
Hatherleigh Parish Cemetery
After recognising that the existing cemetery at St John’s Church was reaching capacity, Hatherleigh Town Council purchased an area of adjoining land to the North West of the existing grave yard to be used as the new town cemetery to ensure sufficient capacity for new parish burials going forward.
The Parish Pump
Hatherleigh Town Council is proud to support The Parish Pump, the free monthly community magazine serving Hatherleigh and the surrounding parishes. Recognising its importance as a trusted source of local news, events and community information, the Council provided £3,000 towards printing costs to help transform the publication into a larger A4 format. This investment has enabled larger, more accessible text for readers, increased space for local content, and reduced reliance on advertising, ensuring The Parish Pump remains an informative and valued community resource for years to come.
Hatherleigh Football Club
Hatherleigh Town Council recognises the important role that Hatherleigh Football Club plays within the local community. In 2025, the Council awarded a grant of £7,500 to help the Club purchase the lower half of its football field and tennis courts. This investment helped secure these valuable sporting facilities for the benefit of the Club and the wider community, ensuring they remain available for future generations.
Okehampton District Community Transport
Hatherleigh Town Council is pleased to support organisations that provide essential services to local residents. In 2024, the Council awarded a £250 grant to the Okehampton & District Community Transport Group, helping to support its invaluable work providing transport for people attending medical appointments and accessing essential services. Alongside the grant, the Council also helped raise awareness of the group’s need for additional volunteer drivers, recognising the important role the service plays across the local community.
Other Projects Supported by Hatherleigh Town Council
Hatherleigh Town Council is committed to supporting the organisations and facilities that help make the town a great place to live. Over the years, the Council has provided financial assistance to community groups including Hatherleigh Cricket Club, Hatherleigh Christmas Lights, the Town Crier and Hatherleigh Community Primary School, helping fund projects such as litter picking equipment, recycling bins and the Walk to School initiative. The Council has also invested in the installation and ongoing maintenance of benches throughout the town, creating welcoming places to rest and enjoy Hatherleigh. Financial support has also been provided towards the Toddler Park at Hatherleigh Community Centre, alongside continued maintenance to ensure it remains a safe and enjoyable space for local families.