Agenda item

The Leader AGREED the following grants:

The Sustainable Communities and Partnerships Manager presented this report, which invited the Leader to consider applications for Community Chest Grants for 2015/16. Comments from local councillors and youth councillors were reported at the meeting. Each application was considered in turn.

Over Baptist Church – new chairs

This application had been deferred from the previous meeting, to ensure that the wider community had been consulted. The Project Officer explained that the application had been fully discussed at church meetings and the plans had been displayed on the village noticeboard without any dissent. The Leader decided to defer the matter to the Deputy Leader, as the church was in his ward. Post meeting note: the deputy leader agreed the application.

The Cygnets, Milton Pre-School – new chairs and tables

The Leader noted that the application met the scheme’s criteria, the parish council were paying the other half of the costs of the project and that the application had the support of both local members. The Leader agreed to award a grant of £1,500.

Friends of Milton Country Park – marquee and folding tables

The Leader noted that the application met the scheme’s criteria, a number of events were held at Milton Country Park and the application was supported by both local members. The Leader agreed to award a grant of £786.92.

Almshouse and Pension Charity of the Julia Norris Trust – refurbishment of almshouses

The Leader noted concerns regarding the overall costs of the project, but acknowledged that a grant from the Council could assist the applicants in accessing other funding. The funding from the Council would be used to refurbish one of the toilets. The application met the scheme’s criteria and the Leader agreed to award a grant of £1,500.

Gamlingay Allotment Gardeners’ Association – table and benches

Councillor Bridget Smith explained that whilst the Association’s funds were limited there were a number of active volunteers within the association and there was a waiting list for allotments. The Leader noted that the local members supported this application, which met the scheme’s criteria and he agreed to award a grant of £1,000.

Ladybird Pre-School – metal storage shed

The Leader noted that the storage shed would protect the Pre-school’s equipment from damage and theft. The application met the scheme’s criteria and the Leader agreed to award a grant of £1,128.32.

Melbourn Amateur Dramatics Society – costumes, scenery, microphones and props

The Leader noted that arguably an application for costumes, scenery and props did not meet the scheme’s criteria, although microphones could be funded. In view of the fact that quotes from the applicant had not yet been received the Leader deferred making a decision on this application.

Litlington Recreation Centre Management Committee – tables and chairs

The Leader agreed to award a grant of £1,000 to this application, which met the scheme’s criteria and had the support of local member Councillor David McCraith.

Lolworth Parish Meeting – repair of footpath to Bar Hill

The Leader noted that the footpath was on private land and it was unusual for the residents of Lolworth to ask for a grant. The application met the scheme’s criteria and the Leader agreed to award a grant of £400.

Little Shelford Bowls Club – mending fence

The Leader agreed to award a grant of £1,000, as this application met the scheme’s criteria. He asked officers to consider whether a plaque could be displayed on the fence, stating that the Council had paid for the repairs.

Longstanton Grasshoppers Cricket Club – storage container

The Leader agreed to award a grant of £1,500, as this application met the scheme’s criteria.

Whittlesford Parish Council – village road sign

The Leader noted that this application had the support of the local councillor. However, the Leader suggested that this form of signage should be funded by either the County Council or the parish council and he decided not to award a grant.

Cambourne Comets – gymnastics equipment

Councillor Des O’Brien supported this application. The Leader agreed to award a grant of £1,500, as the application met the scheme’s criteria.

Caldecote Scout Group – camping and orienteering equipment

The Leader noted that Caldecote Scout Group were a relatively new organisation, the application met the scheme’s criteria and had the support of youth councillor Ellie Harris. The Leader agreed to award a grant of £1,500.

Comberton Bowls Club – refurbishment of toilet facilities

The Leader noted that the refurbishment would improve disabled access and he agreed to award a grant of £1,500, to this application which met the scheme’s criteria.

Phoenix Trust – all-terrain pallet trucks

The Leader agreed to award a grant of £1,500, to this application which met the scheme’s criteria.

1^st Histon Scouts – repairs to scout hut

The Leader expressed his support for the Scouts as an organisation and he agreed to award a grant of £1,500 to this application, which met the scheme’s criteria.

Meadows Out of Schools Club – purchase outdoor play equipment

The Leader agreed to award a grant of £473.51 to this project, which met the scheme’s criteria.

Mother Goose Preschool – purchase of matting around play equipment

The Leader agreed to receive this application, which had not been included in the report. He noted that it had the support of the local councillor for Wimpole, who had explained that there were few alternative pre-schools for local residents, which made it a valuable asset for the community. The Leader agreed to award a grant of £1,500 to this application, which met the scheme’s criteria.

The Leader AGREED the following grants: