Agenda item

To consider applications for funding from the Community Area Grants Scheme:-

a            Publicity campaign to raise awareness of Westbury Weaver bus service  - cost £235.

b            Purchase and installation of three information display boards at the White Horse viewing area on the B3098 – cost £2,500.  

c            Westbury Area Wellbeing Group for £350 to fund the set up of Tai Chi classes for the elderly.

d            Extended Services (Schools) to fund a Pupils Voice conference and for the purchase of six camcorders for use in ongoing consultation and awareness project with local schools.

e            BA13+ Community Area Partnership - £3,500 to fund ongoing running costs of partnership and activities.

f             1^st Westbury Guides for £210 to fund the purchase of sweatshirts for international conference..

g            Horse stiles and kissing gates - £991 to fund the purchase and installation on rights of way.

Consideration was given to a report by the Community Area Manager in which councillors were asked to consider applications for funding from the 2012/13 Area Board Grants Budget.  She then explained each application in turn.

(a)          Publicity campaign to raise awareness of Westbury Weaver

bus service - cost £235.

Decision

To approve a grant of £235 to raise awareness of the Westbury Weaver bus service.

Reason

Many concerns had been raised by local people about confusion around the new routes of the Westbury Weaver bus service – it was rerouted in September 2012 to serve the new White Horse Health Centre. Following a meeting of area board members and relevant council officers it was decided to launch a publicity and awareness campaign to encourage better awareness and use of the service.

(b)          Purchase and installation of five information display boards at the White Horse viewing area on Road B3098 and at open land off The Mead – cost £3,758.

Decision

To approve a grant of £3,758 for the purchase and installation of three information display boards at the White Horse viewing area on Road B3098 and two information boards on open land off The Mead.

Reason

The B3098 viewing area is a frequent stopping off point for visitors and tourists At present there is only one old and extremely worn information board on site. The creation and installation of new updated boards will boost awareness of our history and heritage and will encourage visitors to further explore our community thus having a beneficial effect on the local economy. The installation of new boards is especially appropriate given that the White Horse has recently been subject to a well publicised clean up – which the Area Board helped fund and support.  The area off The Mead is a popular walking area with lakes, footpaths and seating.  The interpretation boards could help inform visitors about flora, fauna and birdlife.

(c)       Westbury Area Wellbeing Group for £350 to fund the set up

of Tai Chi classes for the elderly.

Decision

To approve a grant of £350 to fund the set up of Tai Chi classes for the elderly.

Reason

To form a group of mainly retired people who wish to make painless, no strain efforts at keeping fit both mentally and physically with simple movements that help those with breathing conditions, suitable for those with mobility problems, tai-chi being known for gentle movements.

(d)           Extended Services (Schools) to fund a Pupils Voice

conference and for the purchase of six camcorders for use in ongoing consultation and awareness project with local schools.

Decision

To approve a grant of £650 to fund a Pupils Voice conference and for the purchase of six camcorders for use in ongoing consultation & awareness project with local schools.

Reason

The Voices project would be ongoing and a group of pupils would report back to a future Area Board meeting with the views and findings from fellow pupils.  This in turn could help influence grant funding and could initiate relevant projects.

(e)          BA13+ Community Area Partnership - £3,500 to fund

ongoing running costs of partnership and activities.

Decision

To make a grant of £3,500 to fund ongoing running costs and activities of the Partnership as requested, plus an additional £211, this being the remaining funds in the grants budget.

Reason

To maintain the Partnership Steering Group and Thematic Groups which champion local issues and help with the planning and delivery of priority projects.

(f)            1st Westbury Guides for £210 to fund the purchase of

sweatshirts for international conference.

Decision

To make a grant of £210 to fund the purchase of Westbury named sweatshirts for an overseas conference.

Reason

A group of Girl Guides are travelling to Switzerland to meet with other guides at an international conference.

(g)           Horse stiles and kissing gates - £991 to fund the purchase

and installation on rights of way.

Decision

To approve a grant of £991 to fund the purchase and installation of kissing gates and horse stiles on rights of way.

Reason

To meet the concerns that have been raised by dog walkers, pedestrians and horse riders about inappropriate use of the rights of way by quod bikers.