Agenda item

Have your say on how the ward budget for 2010/11 should be spent and learn more about some of the scheme proposals.

5.  Local Improvement Schemes

1.1             Cllr Firth drew residents’ attention to the insert in Your Ward titled Scheme Suggestions, under the three ward ambitions: reducing anti-social behaviour, increasing road and pedestrian safety and developing pride in our communities.  He invited any residents present to speak to the scheme suggestions, in numerical order.  The following schemes were supported in this way:

1.2             Scheme reference 6: carry out a feasibility study into a pedestrian crossing on York Road south of junction with The Avenue, Haxby.  The proposer had been unable to attend and a neighbour spoke on her behalf.  He referred to the problem of crossing the road and emphasised that there is no other crossing on York Road.  The proximity of two primary schools and the Ethel Ward Memorial Playing Field added to the importance of this proposal.

1.3             Scheme reference 10: feasibility study into provision of footpath/pavement at north end of Usher Lane.  In support of this scheme, it was commented that the footpath is used by a lot of people and is shiny and dangerous in bad weather.

1.4             Scheme reference 15: grant to Wigginton Parish Churchfield Public Open Space Committee for additional equipment.  The Chair of the Committee stated that they had spent the previous 2 years putting through a scheme to change the area and this was almost complete.  The grant would allow them to purchase a final piece of equipment: a cradle swing for smaller and disabled children.

1.5             Scheme reference 17: grant to Wigginton Old School Community Hall Management Committee for repair work to pillars and boundary wall around the old school.  The Chair of the Committee explained that the pillar in the photograph in Your Ward has tilted to the left.  As it is very large and heavy the equipment required to lift and reposition the top of the pillar is quite expensive.

1.6             Scheme reference 19: grant to Wigginton Parochial Church Council for replacement of rotten door to the outside patio.  The church is well used by the community and the patio has been recently developed to provide wheelchair access.

1.7             Scheme reference 20: grant to Street Sport York.  Simon Haddock, Community Leisure Officer, referred to their work in every ward and the need to find alternative funding following expiry of Sport England funding in 2005.  In answer to a question regarding funding, he replied that a grant of £1k would be used to fund 5 sessions in the ward; and that Street Sport would work with one ward if necessary rather than not at all

1.8             Scheme reference 21: move and secure an existing bench in Wigginton about 50 metres to a more suitable location.  This scheme will avoid future maintenance costs.

1.9             Scheme reference 24: grant to Haxby and Wigginton Youth and Community Association.  The Chair summarised the application for the Youth Club, emphasising that a lower grant would mean lower service provision.

1.10        The question was asked how much is the total ward budget? And the answer given was in the region of £40k.  The figure will not be known till the council budget is finalised in February 2010.  It is important that residents express their opinion.

1.11        Finally, Alan Rowntree, Chair of Wigginton Parish Council thanked the ward committee for funding changes to the village pond.