Agenda item

(Voting: 5 in favour, 0 against, 1 abstention)

The Locality Officer presented the report which asked members to consider awarding a grant of £12,500 towards the purchase of Curry Woods in Curry Rivel by the Curry Woods Conservation Trust. He explained that Peter Goodenough, Chairman of the Curry Woods Trust was present to answer any questions.

During a short discussion members raised several comments including:

·         Acknowledgement of the significant fundraising.

·         Surprised at the small parish council contribution given that it is such a large project.

Ward member, Councillor Clare Paul, expressed her full support for the project and noted the woods would be well used by the community. She acknowledged much work had been done behind the scenes and a lot of fundraising achieved. She noted the parish council had gone through turbulence in recent times, and it wasn’t that they weren’t supportive and they may look to support more in the future.

Councillor Clare Paul read out a statement provided by fellow ward member Councillor Tiffany Osborne,who had tendered her apologies for the meeting, in which she also expressed her support for the project.

In response to comments made, Peter Goodenough provided a brief overview of the project and also the current situation regarding the parish council. He also confirmed that should the SSDC grant be awarded that all funding for the purchase was secured.

At the end of discussion it was proposed and seconded to approve the grant subject to standard conditions for community grants, and on being put to the vote was carried 5 votes in favour with 1 abstention.

(Voting: 5 in favour, 0 against, 1 abstention)

Note – during discussion Councillors Neil Bloomfield, Adam Dance, Clare Paul and Dean Ruddle declared personal interests for the item as they are also County Councillors. One of the members felt uncomfortable about voting and noted they would abstain.