At last - community group secures cash
RELIEF has swept through the Chase Meadow estate in Warwick after the district council agreed to pick up a £215,000 funding shortfall on the long-promised community centre.
Last week there were fears that a £50,000 grant from Sport England would be among the grants lost if work did not start on the nearly £1 million centre by the end of September.
But this week ward councillor Moira-Ann Grainger, portfolio holder for corporate and community services, was able to confirm that the deficit - due in part to inflation and the rising cost of steel - would be picked up by a New Home Bonus Scheme on future development in the area.
When eventually completed, the present 930-strong Chase Meadow estate will consist of some 1,500 homes.
Cllr Grainger (Con, Warwick North) said: “I am delighted to confirm that work on the new community centre for the residents will be starting before the end of September 2012 after the council has agreed to put additional funding into this important development.
“The council has been working closely with local residents who have been raising money for the community centre - considered essential - in addition to other services and facilities.”
The council had previously committed £230,000 of funding to the scheme to complement a large contribution from St Micahel’s Church in nearby Budbrooke, which will use one room for regular services and provide youth workers when the building is completed, hopefully by next summer.
The developers will also add to other grants obtained by members of the local group steering the project who wrote successful bids to Sport England and the King Henry VIII charity as well as organising their own fundraising events.
On Wednesday, Paul Barnes, chairman of the group, praised the efforts of many of his fellow members who had worked so hard to secure the funds.
He said: “The council has been most helpful. It is important to ensure the centre is self-sufficient in the future and does not require ongoing funding.
“Some changes have been made to the design to incorporate new efficiency ideas but care had to be taken not to impact on the business plan we have drawn up.”
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Weather for Warwick
Wednesday 22 May 2013
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Temperature: 4 C to 15 C
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