Two community groups have been awarded a total of £1,610* following the Southern Rural Area Forum recommendations on 22 June.
Kimpton Parish Council has been granted £1,000 towards refurbishing the Kimpton Pavilion on Kimpton Recreation Ground. Originally constructed in 2006 as a football clubhouse, the refurbishment will provide a fitness studio, changing room, toilets with disability conformality and an opportunity to set up a coffee café, to make the venue attractive for all members of the community.
Offley Parish Council has been granted £610 towards two new benches for the Offley Recreation Centre. The benches will commemorate King Charles III Coronation and be placed between the three trees the Parish Council planted in 2022 for the late Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, providing much needed seating and rest points for the many users of the space.
Cllr Alistair Willoughby, Executive Member for Community & Partnerships, who approved the funding under delegated decision, said: “It is fantastic that we can help our local parish councils improve their facilities. I'm excited to see these projects bring a great community benefit to residents.”
Cllr David Barnard, Southern Rural Area Forum Chair, added: “Kimpton’s refurbished pavilion will provide a wider community benefit for many years to come and the new benches in Offley Recreation Centre will improve the experience for local walkers and sport spectators.”
Local Area Forums have taken over from our Area Committees. They cover five areas of North Herts – Southern Rural, Letchworth, Hitchin, Baldock and Royston – and take place four times a year. The new Forums are designed to be less formal and more welcoming to encourage more community participation. They generally start at 7.30pm with community grant applications and then themed discussions will take place from around 8pm. Each Forum makes recommendations for funding, and then the Executive Member for Community & Partnerships makes a decision under delegated powers.
The next Southern Rural Area Forum will take place on 21 September, venue to be confirmed.
*subject to completion of the necessary formalities
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