Congratulations are in order for Ventnor Town council after Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Danny Alexander, and Communities Secretary, Eric Pickles, announce a multi-million pound package to create jobs and apprenticeships in coastal towns across the country.
The Isle of Wight was one of over fifty projects awarded a share of £27.7 million of funding, supporting over 4,000 jobs and creating over 1,000 new apprenticeships and training places across the country.
£95,000 community grant
Ventnor Town Council has been awarded £95,000 to refurbish Salisbury Gardens (aka the Coastal Centre) as part of their innovative Enterprise Hub project.
Space for business start-ups and self employed workers looking to expand their activities will be provided through 12 units, creating at least one direct and 35 indirect jobs over the next two years.
A remarkable opportunity
Town Clerk David Bartlett said:
“The grant provides Ventnor with a remarkable opportunity to establish an Enterprise Centre for business start-ups, stimulate its local economy and extend the life of one its iconic buildings.”
Bob Ventress, Ventnor Business Association Chair added:
“Ventnor Business Association very much welcomes this contribution to the town’s economic life and looks forward to continuing to work with the Town Council to ensure the project’s success.”
Call-in of lease decision
The call-in of the decision to grant Ventnor Town Council a 26 year repairing lease for Salisbury Gardens was discussed at last night’s Overview and Scrutiny Committee (see our Twitter coverage below).
A further 20 questions were submitted to the Cabinet member responsible, Cllr Jon Gilbey.
Absent Cabinet member
Once again, he was absent from the Scrutiny Committee meeting (we can’t remember the last one we saw him at), a point raised by the chair, Cllr Geoff Lumley, who said his absence was unacceptable and disrespectful to Committee members.
Request for valuation of the land
Answers to the questions were provided on paper to the members three hours prior to the meeting and leader of the council, Cllr Stephens, was available to answer any further queries.
After around 45 minutes of debate, the committee moved to accept the lease arrangements of the building with the VTC, but recommended the land in front of it – which is designated as a Public Open Space and protected by covenants – should have its value assessed as a possible capital receipt.
Cllr Stephens advised members the land was not for sale.
The Committee noted the decision had been made and could not be overturned.
Image: Images of Money under CC BY 2.0
