VB readers will remember our report from Monday night’s Ventnor Town Council (VTC) meeting about outstanding monies due to VTC.
Naturally, we asked the council for a response to the claim and received this statement from Deputy Director Economic Development, Tourism and Leisure, John Metcalfe, this morning.
“In April this year, the Isle of Wight Council was asked for, and provided, advice and guidance to the town council on possible options for the future management of the Winter Gardens. Whilst the town council debated these options, it was felt prudent to delay the payment of the grant which is intended to subsidise the operation of the Winter Gardens for the whole year. This is the only grant of its type provided by the Isle of Wight Council.
“In July this year, discussions were held with the town council about changing the form of the funding agreement which led to further delay in paying the grant. The town council only confirmed in October that it wished to continue with the current funding agreement.
“Consequently the IW Council is making arrangements to pay the grant once it has confirmed that it is to be used for the purpose for which it was intended.”
