Councillors are reminded that under the Councillors’ Code of Conduct, they should declare any interest they may have in the budget applications.
Information on the Ward Community Budget will be provided.
Feedback from applicants who have been funded from the budget will be given.
Minutes:
Feedback from recipients of community funding was received.
New Parks Community Panel
Lindsay Perbedy, Vice-Chair of New Parks Panel stated that the Ward budget had funded The Summer Extravaganza, The Lunch Club, Theatre trips for families on benefits and other groups including a war-gaming club and a craft club were being run at New Parks Library.
Brian Hookway Football Course
Brian Hookway relayed that, funding had allowed soccer schools had been set up, funding the teaching of coaches, free participation for some and covered the use of facilities, he expressed his gratitude for the support and stated that the scheme would not have been able to run without it. He also reported that the course had occupied children during summer holidays and had helped them to develop social skills.
Western Park Festival
Representative Adrian Alexander explained that money from the Ward Community Budget had covered a shortfall in the funding of the festival. The festival had included dance groups, musicians and traders and it was hoped to continue.
Creative Futures Midlands
Liam Hadjipetrou of Creative Futures Midlands reported that money had been provided from the Ward Community Budget for arts and crafts at the Summer Extravaganza. He also reported that he had been helping with the ‘Plot to Pot’ scheme on local allotments but was finding it difficult to engage the local community. Regular events were held, and he was thinking about the best place to advertise them. A representative from New Parks Hub offered to advertise on their Facebook page. Action: Liam Hadjipetrou to liaise with New Parks Hub.
Letchworth Area Watch
A representative from Letchworth Area Watch expressed gratitude for the funding received for the Garden Area between Nevanthon Road and Denis Close. He reported that there had been a major improvement on the garden.
Team Troupers Dance Academy
A representative from Team Troupers Dance Academy explained that the academy for local children cost less due to Ward funding, making it accessible families on low incomes. It was explained that the academy was self-funded other than Ward funding.
The group had run events including a trip to Alton Towers, a Halloween event at New Parks Hub, a summer event run in conjunction with New Parks Community Panel, bingo at New Parks Hub and an Easter event was to be run at New Parks Hub.
It was explained that money raised at New Parks Hub was put into the next event there.
Dissatisfaction was expressed that some groups and representatives had not fed-back on how their funding was spent. It was explained by representatives and councillors that due to individual circumstances, such as low income and time constraints it can be difficult for representatives to attend meetings.
Ward Community Budget
Seven applications had been supported since the last Ward meeting:
· Linking Lives- to purchase a roller banner to promote the scheme- £95
· Team Troupers Dance Academy- for their Easter event- £500
· Letchworth Area Watch- for bands on Western Park- £200
· Letchworth Area Watch- for a garden area- £136
· Western Ward Community Project- for Project Hive- £750
· Soft Touch Arts- for the Upstart Programme- £1000
· Friends of Western Park- for the Western Park Festival- £4000
It was explained that new applications would not be considered until after the election.
Councillor Dr Barton stressed that applicants who did not get funding, or received less than hoped for, were not deemed less worthy, but due to the lack of carry-over, money had to be prioritised to projects that could be completed quickly.
Councillor Cole emphasised the importance of funds being distributed to all areas of the Ward.