Agenda item

At the Chairman’s invitation, Councillor John Noeken, Lead member for Grants, introduced this item, thanking the other members of the grants panel who had assisted in reviewing the bids: Stan Stubbs (Chairman - Bourne Valley Alliance) and David Healing (Durrington Parish Council).

The Chair clarified that although on the grants panel; Cllr Noeken had left the room during this item and would also do so again for the first application, as he had declared a prejudicial interest.

Grant 1 – Amesbury 2012 & beyond

The Mayor of Amesbury, Cllr Richard Crook outlined the application on behalf of Amesbury Town Council, noting in particular that the council had done extensive research amongst residents to find out what activities they most desired to be included in this project, and 308 messages of support had been received. It was also made clear that the classes, events and other activities were not exclusively for Amesbury residents – rather they were open to all.

Decision

Amesbury Town Council was awarded £4250 towards the Amesbury 2012 & beyond project.

Reason - The application met the Community Area Grants Criteria 2010/11 and would support a project which would provide activities, education and entertainment for residents of Amesbury and the community area in general, and in doing so benefit the local economy.

Grant 2 – Bulford St Leonards Scout Group

Mr Bob Jones, from the 2^nd Bulford St Leonards Scout group attended the meeting and spoke in support of his organisation’s application, noting in particular the ongoing success of the group and adding the fact that a long-term lease had been obtained on the land, and that the group were in the process of obtaining competitive quotes for the work to be done.

Decision

2^nd Bulford St Leonards Scout Group was awarded £5000 towards the replacement of their existing accommodation.

Reason - The application met the Community Area Grants Criteria 2010/11 and would ensure the future viability of the 2^nd Bulford St Leonards Scout Group

Grant 3 – Girl Guiding Wiltshire South group

Mrs Rose Dare, representing the Girl Guiding Wiltshire South group updated the area board on the application for a new boiler – and informed the group that the previous boiler had in fact broken down, and reserves were used to fund an immediate replacement.

Decision

Wiltshire South Guiding was awarded £5000 towards the purchase and installation of a new boiler for their headquarters in Berwick St. James, pending confirmation of verbal statements made at the meeting regarding the failure of the existing boiler.

Reason - The application met the Community Area Grants Criteria 2010/11 and would ensure the continued viability of the Wiltshire South Guiding group.

Grant 4 – Larkhill Community Action Partnership – St Barbara’s Hall

The Unit Welfare officer of 19.Regiment, Major RA John Le Feuvre, summarised the application, listed those groups who would potentially benefit if funding was obtained and informed the board of an agreement in principle with partners to maintain the fabric of the building for 30 years.

Decision

Larkhill Community Action Partnership was awarded £5000 towards the enhancement of St. Barbara’s Hall, Larkhill Garrison. These funds are conditional on provisional funds for phase two, specifically from Army Welfare fund, being confirmed.

Reason - The application met the Community Area Grants Criteria 2010/11 and would help create a needed community space and resource for local citizens.

Grant 5 – The Amesbury Society

Cllr Westmoreland spoke in support of the application, on the grounds that the archeological discoveries at the site were already of nationwide importance and had the potential to drive tourism to Amesbury itself, in addition to business gathered from visitors to Stonehenge. A museum / interpretation centre was hoped for by the town council at some point he added. He proposed to award the full sum of £5000 requested by the Amesbury Society. This was seconded by Cllr Hewitt.

Decision

The Amesbury Society was awarded £5000 towards the continued archaeological investigation of a site of potentially nationwide importance in the Amesbury area.

Reason - The application met the Community Area Grants Criteria 2010/11 and would provide in time educational and economic benefits to the community area.

Grant 6 -  Homestart Project

Council Noeken drew the board’s attention to a late application for funding received by the Homestart project, which sought £956 to fund training courses in September for volunteers. The group supports families who are finding it difficult to cope with the stresses of bringing up a young family. Trained volunteers visit families in their own home.

The Chairman had agreed to accept this application as urgent late business due to the need for funding to be identified for this project prior to the next meeting of the Area Board.

Decision

The Homestart project was awarded £956 towards training courses for volunteers.

Reason - The application met the Community Area Grants Criteria 2010/11 and would support a project which would provide real benefit to vulnerable and troubled families in the community area.

(ACTION: Vicky Cobbold)