Councillors support community groups (From Chard & Ilminster News)

Councillors support community groups

11:31am Wednesday 13th February 2008 in Chard By Steve Sowden

COUNCILLORS have been giving grants to some eye-catching causes since the introduction of a new scheme that gives each a personal budget to spend on community projects.

The Frontline Community Councillor Scheme, which was introduced in July last year, gives each councillor an individual budget of £2,500 to spend on community projects in their ward, and the scheme has already seen 36 councillors give over £42,000 to over 90 projects.

Chard Jocelyn ward councillor Dave Bulmer recently awarded grants to three local causes.

Cllr Bulmer said: "I've certainly been busy showing my support for some fantastic projects that benefit the residents of my ward.

"I gave the Chard Goldstar Majorettes a grant of £250 to help them buy some smart new uniforms, and I gave the same amount to the popular Chard NNI Schools Out organisation to help them fund a toy shed for the children.

"Chard in Bloom also put in an application for a grant to fund an impressive three-tier planter for Fore Street in the town centre and I considered this to be an equally important scheme to support - it makes a huge difference to the way the town looks each year and gives a superb first impression to anyone passing through the town, so I allocated £500 from my budget.

"I look forward to seeing the spring bloom."

Up to ten councillors can join their funds together to support one cause if it benefits the local community.

Last year was just as eventful when Cllr's Andy Kendall, Tony Fife, Ian Martin and Tony Lock each contributed £500 towards the successful street soccer sessions which brought Portuguese ball skills to the children of Crewkerne, Yeovil and Chard.

Ilminster ward member, Cllr Kim Turner, also helped fund the Young Citizen of the Year award organised by the Rotary Club.

Cllr Tim Carroll, leader of South Somerset District Council, said: "This scheme has allowed councillors to get even closer to the community.

"A small amount of money can make a real difference to the small communities in each ward -it has really given councillors the tools to support projects that we know will meet local needs.

"As this is a one-year pilot we will be evaluating how successful the scheme has been and see if we can do the same for years to come."

Any community group or project can apply to their ward councillors for grants between £250 and £2,500.