Waltham Abbey Royal Gunpowder Mills granted coronavirus funding

The company successfully applied to the Cultural Recovery Fund for Heritage, set up to help the country’s cultural gems survive the coronavirus pandemic.

Epping Forest MP Dame Eleanor Laing said she was delighted at the award and how the money would protect a vital part of the area’s heritage, and protect local jobs.

The CRF is funded by the Government and delivered by heritage experts - the Historic England and the National Lottery Heritage Fund - to support organisations in England across the heritage ecosystem that are local and national treasures but have fallen on hard times due to the pandemic.

More than £67 million is being shared out among 433 successful applicants to help with key repair and maintenance work, and help sites operate and recover.

Dame Eleanor said: "The Royal Gunpowder Mills is such a major part of the heritage of the district and the country and I am thrilled this money will help it weather the covid storm and be there for future generations to enjoy.

“Not only can we learn so much and gain so much insight from our heritage but it also provides jobs and a boost for the local economy in many ways.

“And as we get through this unprecedented pandemic, places like the Royal Gunpowder Mills and the tremendous work done there can undoubtedly play a part in our recovery.

“Huge credit must go to the Government for this invaluable support.”

The package of support is the first round of funding from the Government’s £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund.

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