Issue - meetings

(voting: unanimous)

The Specialist – Economy presented her report to the Committee. She advised that the report recommended endorsement of a contribution towards the refurbishment and extension of Caryford Village Hall, which would need to be considered by District Executive in April.

She advised that there was an amendment to the recommendation as the money would be drawn wholly from the Area East Capital Reserve budget. This would align with the previous report.

She also advised that a previous application for £12,500 had been received and approved by Area East Committee in December 2018 towards Phase 1A of the project. She explained that the funding would now be considered as one grant rather than smaller grants for different phases of the project.

She informed members that the hall was extremely well used and was important to the community. She also pointed out that the group had raised significant amounts through fund-raising and that further fund-raising was planned for the summer months.

A representative from the Carymoor Community Hall Association addressed the Committee. She explained that the grant was really important to the team and that she was being visited by Viridor and representatives of other possible funding bodies. She explained that a grant from SSDC and local fundraising would mean that £78,000 has been raised, this and a Viridor grant would enable them to make a start on the site. She also hoped that this funding would unlock further funding from other sources.

Councillor Henry Hobhouse, Ward Member, explained that there were few places to hold large meetings and explained that this was a very important venue for Castle Cary and Ansford.

During the discussion, one member suggested that car boot sales were a successful way to raise money.

In response to a question from a member, the Specialist – Economy clarified that the recommendation was for a grant of £27,500, rather than the £40,000 which had originally been requested. 

Councillor Nick Weeks, also Ward Member, praised the Caryford Community Hall Association and agreed that the hall would be a valuable asset to the community. He offered his full support to the proposal.

It was proposed and seconded that the ‘in principle’ community grant contribution of £27,500 be endorsed and referred to District Executive for consideration.

On being put to the vote, this was carried unanimously.

RESOLVED:  that members agreed;

1)            an ‘in principle’ contribution of up to £27,500 from the Area East Capital Reserve as a 4.8% contribution towards the extension and refurbishment of Caryford Hall

2)            to note that, if agreed by District Executive, this and the £12,500 contribution previously agreed by Area East Committee in December 2018 will result in a total contribution of £40,000 (7%) towards the extension and refurbishment of Caryford Hall, subject to standard grant conditions and the agreement of District Executive.

(voting: unanimous)