Agenda item

The Area Development Manager (North) introduced the report as shown in the agenda and gave a comprehensive presentation which included information about:

·         The work of the team and Area North priorities for 2014/15

·         Statistical information about the service

·         Community projects including examples of success stories

·         Summer children’s holiday play schemes

·         The year ahead

She drew members attention to an email received from a member of the public which queried what support had been provided to the Somerton Historic Buildings Preservation Trust (SHPBT) who sought to acquire ownership of the Old Town Hall as a social enterprise, (detailed as project 70 in appendix A of the agenda report), and what action was being taken with the empty shops in West Street. In response she noted that the support given to the SHBPT had been through occasional contact providing guidance and information on funding and business planning to this community led project. Contact had been very limited over the past 18 months or so, and no financial support provided. She understood that the project would not continue under the proposed business model, and so it was noted as complete in the Area Development Plan. The town council had been aware at all times of the input by SSDC officers. Regarding the empty shops, the units concerned were integrated with wider site development proposals for the Old Court House, and officers would continue to work with the town council to ensure the shops are brought back into use.

During a short discussion members raised various comments about community grants. The Area Development Manager clarified that the £1000 limit for community grants was a District Executive policy and had been reviewed in recent years. She felt the limit was appropriate in proportion to the total grants budget.

Members noted there would be a future workshop to discuss the Area North priorities, and a revised set of priorities would be recommended for agreement at a future meeting of the committee. The Chairman thanked the Area Development Manager for her informative report.