Issue - meetings

The Locality Officer presented the report which asked members to consider the awarding of a grant of £4,166.67 to East Coker Parish Council, towards the project to renew a historic footpath at The Paddock, East Coker.  She advised that a member of the East Coker Parish Council was present in the meeting to answer any questions from members.

With the aid of slides she highlighted the location of the path linking two public rights of way within the village and nearby church.  She confirmed the footpath was sited within the paddock which is owned by East Coker Parish Council and therefore does not fall within the remit of Somerset County Council.

Ward member, Councillor Gina Seaton voiced her support of the application and explained the benefits of the footpath and the safety element linking two public rights of way.

Ward member, Councillor Nicola Clark also voiced her support for the application and explained it was a well-used footpath that served an area within the village that hosted many events such as the forthcoming jubilee celebrations.

During a brief discussion members expressed their support for the application. It was proposed, and unanimously agreed, to recommend to the Chief Executive that the grant be approved, as per the officer recommendation.

RESOLVED:

That Area South Committee recommend to the Chief Executive that a grant of £4,166.67 be awarded to East Coker Parish Council, towards the project to renew a historic footpath at The Paddock, the grant to be allocated from the Area South capital programme and subject to SSDC standard conditions for community grants (appendix A to the agenda report).

Reason

To consider a grant funding request from East Coker Parish Council to renew a historic footpath at The Paddock, East Coker.

(voting: unanimous)