Agenda item

To determine four applications for Community Area Grant funding and to consider 7 bids for Jubilee Grants.

At the Chairman’s invitation, Councillor John Noeken, Lead member for Grants, introduced this item.

ACTION: Vicky Cobbold

Jubilee Grants

He explained that there had been 7 applications for Jubilee Grant Funding, all of which accorded to the criteria demanded of them, and he was therefore minded to move their acceptance en bloc. An additional late application from Figheldean Parish Council had been received which also accorded with the criteria and this was also recommended for approval as part of his motion. This proposal was seconded.

Decision

Orcheston, Durnford, Newton Tony, Shrewton, Great Wishford, Woodford PC and Figheldean Parish Councils, as well as Amesbury Town Council were each given £500 of Jubilee Funding in accordance with the ‘Amesbury Area Board Fund for Village Events to Celebrate the Olympics and the Queen's Diamond Jubilee’ approved at the June 02 Meeting of the Area Board.

Reason - The applications met the criteria for the Amesbury Area Board Fund for Village Events to Celebrate the Olympics and the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.

Cllr Smale, the Chairman urge any remaining Parish Councils to submit their bids by Thursday 08 March at the latest.

Community Area Grants

The area board then considered the four Community Area Grant applications before it:

Grant 1 – Brambles Pre-school

Rachel Busby, spoke to the application and explained that the Outdoor equipment was required to achieve Forest School status and be authenticated as a provider of unique and exciting ways of outdoor learning – both for children attending the pre-school and for other older children who will be able

Decision

Brambles Pre School was awarded £1388.37 towards an outdoor classroom.

Reason - The application met the Community Area Grants Criteria 2010/11 and would demonstrates a link to the Community Plan which identified a need to provide more facilities and access to education for children and young people. The developments enabled by the grant will allow the Pre-school to offer unique and exciting ways of learning and to be able to offer holiday clubs during half-term to the children of Figheldean and of the nearby school.

Grant 2 - Amesbury Pub Watch

Mrs Catherine Young reminded the board of her application on behalf of Amesbury Pubwatch adding that she believed once implemented the radio link would have the effect of reducing crime levels and enhancing community safety. The board requested that the applicant provide confirmation of the range once the system was set up, to allow villages within range to also take part. Cllr Noeken reminded the board that ongoing funding for the scheme would be provided by a subscription fee.

Decision

Amesbury Pub Watch was awarded £1,671.00 towards Amesbury Pub Watch Radio Link.

Reason - The application met the Community Area Grants Criteria 2010/11 and further the application demonstrates a link to the Community Plan by supporting a community safety initiative and addressing the need to reduce anti social behaviour and other crime levels. Amesbury Pub Watch was established when a need for shops and local Public houses linked by radio and CCTV was recognised. It is hoped this could significantly reduce crime levels.

Grant 3 -  Berwick St James Reading Room

Mr Fisher, the Treasurer of the Berwick St James Village meeting spoke to the application, stating that award of the requested funds would increase the usability and attractiveness of the reading room. Cllr West added that the room was a vital lifeline for the local community. Questions regarding ownership of the hall were also answered and the owners were confirmed to be of charitable status.

Decision

Berwick St James Village meeting was awarded £5000 towards the refurbishment of the Berwick St James reading room.

Reason - The application met the Community Area Grants Criteria 2010/11 and demonstrates a link to the Stonehenge Community Plan 2004-9 which identified a need for community halls, leisure and cultural activities for young people and additional community facilities.

Grant 4 – Shrewton BMX Park

Cllr John Noeken outlined the application and gave it his support, suggesting a condition of support be that the project attracts partner funding and that funding is drawn down within 12 months. This was met with agreement by the rest of the board.

Decision

Shrewton BMX & Mountain Bike Club was awarded £5000.00 towards the construction of a BMX track, subject to the project securing partner funding. The funding must be used within 12 months.

Reason - The application met the Community Area Grants Criteria 2010/11 and the application demonstrates a link to the Community Plan which identifies the need for leisure and cultural activities for young people and additional communities. Permission for the BMX track has been granted by the recreation committee ground.