Agenda item

Grant to Stoke sub Hamdon Parish Council (Executive Decision)

Decision:

RESOLVED:

That a grant of £11,586 be awarded to Stoke sub Hamdon Parish Council, to be allocated from the Area North capital programme (Local Priority Projects) and subject to SSDC standard conditions for community grants and the following special condition:

· Access review of the Stoke Sports & Recreation Trust’s new five-year plan for the site.

Reason:

To consider the provision of grant funding towards the costs of creating an Adventure and Activity Hub on the village recreation field at Stoke Sub Hamdon.

(Voting: Unanimous)

Minutes:

The Locality Officer introduced his new role as one of the Locality Team, and explained that Peter Hulett, from the Stoke Sports and Recreation Trust, was also present to answer any queries from members. He noted that Mr Hulett was the driving force behind the scheme, as detailed in the report, and also many other facilities delivered within the parish.

Ward member, Councillor Sylvia Seal, provided a background to the Trust and noted many anti-social behaviour issues in the parish had been resolved as a result of facilities or projects initiated, or delivered, by the Trust. Stoke Sub Hamdon was an expanding village, and the Trust were also looking ahead to what was needed in order to sustain it in the future. She noted much funding had already been secured, and was very supportive of the project.

During discussion, the Localities Officer and Mr Hulett responded to points of detail, including further information about:

· The equalities impact score

· Since the report had been published some further funding sources had been confirmed. The Trust were confident that the remaining funding required would be achieved.

· The sinking fund and responsibilities for maintenance

· The Trust fundraised for the Parish Council but was a separate entity. The equipment would belong to the Parish Council.

Members commended the work of the Trust and what they had achieved. Due to the nature of the equipment proposed, it was suggested that the Trust or Parish Council may wish to consider holding a training session for use of the equipment, as had been done with similar schemes elsewhere in the district.

During discussion members expressed their support for the project and it was suggested that the grant be increased to cover any shortfall in funding. The Communities Lead reminded members that the maximum community grant level that could be awarded was £12,500, and any SSDC grant funding was paid upon evidence of expenditure. She suggested that members agree the figure as recommended in the report, as the Trust were confident that it was the sum required, and the Trust could come back to committee in the future should they need further funding.

It was proposed to approve the grant funding, as per the officer recommendation, and on being put to the vote, was carried unanimously.