Investment in Peasedown St John's community centre, Beacon Hall, extra grit bins, new notice- boards, funding for a garden of remembrance and additional waste bins are all on the cards. The Parish Council has decided to set aside more than £40,000 this year to invest in a range of community projects, initiatives and ideas.
Following requests from members of the community, the Parish Council will be prioritising this year those issues that residents have asked to be addressed. Cllr Andrew Fraser, the Chairman of the Parish Council, said: "The forthcoming financial year is set to see a lot of investment from us into the community. Councillors have been taking on board many of the requests of parishioners, whether that is a need for more winter support, investment in the Recreation Ground or financial support towards the centenary celebrations of the primary school.
"Each year, local people contribute part of their Council Tax to the running of the Parish. Therefore, it is only right that, in return, we show visible investment in our village amenities."
The Parish Council has set aside the amount of £41,542 to contribute towards:
• The Beacon Hall and Beacon Field (£15,000) – both of which are now maintained by the Parish Council. The new Beacon Hall Managers Committee (comprised of Councillors and members of the public) will allocate the funds to specific purposes.
• Winter Support (£6,000) – this funding will contribute towards providing either grit, or a combination of new grit bins and salt for winter weather.
• Waste Bins (£2,000) – replacements and/or additional bins to supplement the eight new waste bins installed last year.
• Garden of Remembrance (£5,000) – an ongoing project at Ashgrove Cemetery with a funding of £11,484 when combined with figures carried forward from the 2012/13 financial year.
• Noticeboards (£4,000) – to replace those Parish Council noticeboards in need of repair.
• Flower Beds (£3,000) – this funding will benefit the new 'Planted Peasedown' project that will be launched during the summer.
• Recreation Ground Boundaries (£2,500) – work is needed to be done to repair and invest in the hedgerow around the site.
In addition, Councillors have also decided to set aside £4,000 for community groups to apply for. That, combined with a £6,000 carry forward from last year, means £10,000 will soon be available for voluntary groups. Part of this fund will contribute to the new Peasedown Primary School mosaic to commemorate their centenary.
Cllr Fraser added: "We are pleased to be in a position to make this funding available and will soon be releasing details on our website, through our Parish magazine and in the local press of how people can apply."
For further information on any issue, contact the Clerk, Tanya West, by calling: 01761 433686 or email: clerk@peasedownstjohn parishcouncil.gov.uk