Following the news of the Economic Improvement Fund for grassroots initiatives last year, this in from the council. In their own words. Ed
Areas across the Isle of Wight will benefit from locally-led projects after Isle of Wight Council approved a number of schemes put forward by town and parish councils (full details embedded at bottom of article).
In December, the council announced £250,000 would be made available under the Economic Improvement Fund for grassroots initiatives. Local councils would be required to match fund any schemes they proposed, meaning the overall investment could be up to half a million pounds.
77 bids approved
All but three town and parish councils submitted a total of 87 separate bids, with 77 approved and awarded funding.
Amongst the projects given the go ahead include Cowes Town Council’s plans to install a multi-use games area next to the town’s skate park and the replacement of the skate park’s fencing.
Brading Town Council will begin a scheme to improve the public realm in the town, while Totland Parish Council was awarded funding to provide an outdoor fitness area.
Other projects include Havenstreet & Ashey Parish Council given funding to buy new play equipment for the Havenstreet recreation ground, while Newchurch Parish Council will provide a community bus service.
iPhone app for Shanklin
Sandown Town Council will refurbish the crazy-golf course at Sandham Gardens as part of a scheme to improve tourism in the area.
Shanklin Town Council had a number of initiatives approved, including providing information about the town to visitors including looking at developing an app for the iPhone.
Ryde Town Council will launch several schemes, including refurbishing and landscaping the external area of The Waterside Pool.
£56,000 still available
Isle of Wight Council Leader David Pugh said “I am very encouraged that so many town and parish councils have submitted bids and we have been able to agree funding for the vast majority of schemes. Local residents will soon see the benefits in their towns and villages.
“Assuming all the approved projects go ahead, there will be around £56,000 of the quarter of a million set aside that has not been allocated. Currently we are considering whether any of this money could be used for the benefit of those communities that did not have their parish council bidding on their behalf.
“The council has a duty for the whole Island and we would not want to see some communities missing out because their parish councils did not put together viable bids.”
A full list of projects submitted by town and parish councils, including details of how much they were awarded and if they were approved, is attached.
Image: Christopher Isherwood under CC BY 2.0
