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.

5.1             Introducing this item, Cllr Hyman commented that the ward councillors do not know at present how much there will be in the ward committee budget for 2010/11.  The total amount for all the potential local improvement schemes included in the Your Ward is far higher than the amount that will be available.  Residents were encouraged, if they had not already done so, to complete the form in the Your Ward newsletter so as many people as possible guide the decision making process.

5.2             Those present were invited to comment on the schemes as detailed in the October Your Ward and did so as follows:

Scheme ref 1: continue programme of improvement to street lighting.  A resident commented that the outcome of lighting improvements to The Old Village, where she lives, is brilliant compared with the poor lighting when she moved there.

Scheme ref 3: New Earswick and District Indoor Bowls Club grant application to purchase an additional “wheelchair friendly” table tennis table.  A member of the Club referred to facilities being available on Fridays to people with learning disabilities and physical impairments.  The table tennis table had been broken and they would like to purchase a new one suitable for disabled people.  

Scheme ref 4: grant application from Older Citizens Advocacy York for funding to support ongoing advocacy work in the ward.  Leaflets were available at the back of the meeting room

Scheme ref 5: grant application from Huntington Memorial Hall for financial assistance with funding the replacement of their gas heating boiler.  A representative of trustees expressed thanks for the £5k previously contributed by the ward committee towards the cost of replacing the roof and floor.  They had held a very successful Scarecrow Trail and a barn was planned.  Quotes for the central heating were being obtained.

Scheme ref 7: grant application from York and District Mind.  A volunteer spoke to the application citing 1 in 4 people experience mental health problems.  The aim is to reduce stigma and support volunteers.

Scheme ref 8: grant application from Huntington Community Centre for funding to continue modernisation.  A representative of trustees referred to the rolling programme of improvements carried out at the centre, funded by the ward committee and trustees.  They wish to remove the café ceiling and replace it and to attract even more customers to the café, takings from which contribute to the overall costs of running the centre.

Scheme ref 9: grant application from New Earswick Community Association to continue providing financial support for the gardening scheme.  The Chairman reported that the Association had managed to continue providing the service.  He also reported on Scheme ref 13 (Summer Scheme for 8 to 13 year olds) to the effect that the juniors are always full, though it is not so well used by the seniors.  They will continue to ask them what kind of activities they want provided.  With respect to Scheme ref 14 (the Junior Club), it is successful in keeping 8 to 11 year olds active and off the streets.

Scheme ref 15: a grant application from Kidz Klub York for funding to hire a bus to take children to and from the club.  The Chair of the group was in attendance and said the service will benefit children whose parents cannot take them, including those resident in Geldof Road.

Scheme ref 16: a grant application from 1^st Huntington Scout Group to carry out refurbishment work to the scout headquarters building.  The Chairman stated they require £20k in total and the grant from the ward committee will pay for replacement of internal glass doors.

Scheme ref 17: grant application from Hopgrove Playing Fields Association for funding to provide storage facilities on site.  A representative of the Association stated any contribution from the ward committee would be gratefully received.

Scheme ref 18: a grant application from Yearsley Grove Groovy Club for funding to provide a mini-bus escort to the Club from Huntington Primary School.  The manager was available to answer questions.

Scheme ref 21: grant application from York Young People’s Service for funding to assist with provision of equipment at the Old Library, New Earswick.  The grant will allow purchase of equipment, needed to attract more young people to attend sessions.  Young people have painted the interior and the official opening is in November.  There are three or four sessions a week, with up to 25 young people attending.        

Scheme ref 22: grant application from Fund for the Gifted, a scheme assisting talented young sports people and their families with costs of training, travel and equipment.  Two young athletes from the area had been supported in the current financial year, one of them a hockey player.