Agenda item

Summaries of Applications between £2,881 and £28,800

Meeting of NHB Community Grants Panel (replaced by the Community Grants Panel March 2021), Thursday 20th July 2017 4.00 p.m. (Item 5/17)

Minutes:

Haybridge Community Sports Centre

The Executive Director, Finance and Resources gave a brief summary of the application which covered the aim of the project, evidence of the impact of growth and evidence of other funding streams.

Members of the Panel asked Sally Gill, a representative from the Centre a number of questions including:

· Accessibility to the community – details of the opening hours were provided.

· Whether any Section 106 funds had been available for the project – it was explained that this funding had been used for the school and additional class rooms.

· Whether the Centre was accessible to those with a disability – it was confirmed that it was and that there was specific equipment available for disabled users.

· Fees payable for membership of the gym and any funds the Centre had – the gym was £15 per month and it was explained that any surplus was used for the ongoing running and maintenance costs of the centre.

Avoncroft Museum – Coach Trips for Schools

The Executive Director, Finance and Resources gave a brief summary of the application which covered the aim of the project and evidence of the impact of growth.

Members of the Panel asked Rachel Shepherd, a representative from the Museum a number of questions including:

· How many trips they expected to pay for – it was explained that the coach hire was £300 a trip and schools were often reluctant to spend that amount of money or ask parents for a donation when it was for a relatively local trip.

· The education programme which the Museum had in place – it was confirmed that this was for Key Stage 1 and the importance of interactive sessions at the Museum together with classroom sessions was highlighted.

· The report which the Museum had commissioned. It was confirmed that 44 responses had been received and the results incorporated within the report but the Museum had not had sight of the actual completed questionnaires referred to.

· Overall visitor figures to the Museum – it was confirmed that these had not decreased and that school trips were often from Wolverhampton and the Birmingham area rather than local schools.

Romsley Parish Council – Defibrillator to be installed in the disused Village Telephone Box

The Executive Director, Finance and Resources gave a brief summary of the application which covered the aim of the project and evidence of the impact of growth.

Members of the Panel asked Ruth Mullett, a representative from the Parish Council a number of questions including:

· What training would be provided – it was confirm that once the defibrillator was in place free training sessions would be available to anyone from the village.

· Ongoing maintenance – it was confirmed that this would be covered by the Parish Council. A grant of £1,000 had been received from Severn Trent and fund raising events had been held.

Clent Parish Council – Table Tennis Table

The Executive Director, Finance and Resources gave a brief summary of the application which covered the aim of the project and evidence of the impact of growth.

Members of the Panel asked a representative from the Parish Council a number of questions including:

· Why table tennis had been chosen – it was explained that this was a sport that could be played by all ages and abilities including those with a disability, very easily. The proposed table would be built of concrete and therefore was robust and likely to need minimum maintenance and last a long time.

· Where the balance of funds would come from – it was confirmed that a grant from the Tesco 5p Bag fund would make up the balance of £1,000. It was confirmed that if the project did not go ahead then this would have to be paid back.

· What would happen if the Council only provided part funding – it was confirmed that there was a small surplus in the Parish Council’s funds, but this was allocated to other projects such as street lighting and therefore it would have to consider whether to use some of that small surplus.

Belbroughton Recreation Centre – Playground Redevelopment

Councillor May advised that she had had some involvement with this project and therefore left the room for the consideration of this item and took no part in the discussions.

The Executive Director, Finance and Resources gave a brief summary of the application which covered the aim of the project and evidence of the impact of growth.

Members of the Panel asked representatives from the Belbroughton Recreation Centre a number of questions including:

· The availability of other funds to meet the total cost - written confirmation had been received from BIFA and the Parish Council would consider the project at its September meeting. It was confirmed that if the funding was not forthcoming they would continue fund raising events until the target had been reached.

· Disabled access – it was confirmed that currently this was not ideal but full disabled access was included within the plans for the redevelopment and the equipment that would be installed would also be access to those with a disability.

· The cost of ongoing maintenance and who would pay for this – the Recreation Centre had full insurance and would cover the cost of ongoing maintenance.

Primrose Hospice – New Van

The Executive Director, Finance and Resources gave a brief summary of the application which covered the aims of the project and evidence of the impact of growth.

Members of the Panel asked Rachel Shepherd, a representative from the Primrose Hospice a number of questions including:

· Had the Hospice considered leasing a van – this had been considered but was not cost effective.

· The current vehicle – it was explained that this was old and had a very high mileage and the ongoing running costs were becoming excessive and not cost effective, which meant that funds which could go towards patient care were being used for this purpose.

· Whether the Hospice would be happy to promote on the van that it had been funded by the Council/Residents of Bromsgrove – it was confirmed that the Hospice would be happy to do this.

Kings Norton Rugby Football Club – Replacement boiler

The Executive Director, Finance and Resources gave a brief summary of the application which covered the aims of the project and evidence of the impact of growth together with other funding streams available.

Members of the Panel asked representatives from the Rugby Club a number of questions including:

· Who used the Club and the demographics of those users – details of the current membership and age ranges were provided.

· Disabled access – It was confirmed that local schools used the facilities and that there were plans as part of stage 2 of the development of the club to include more suitable accessibility.

· The funds which had been received last year in respect of the shower improvements – it was explained that the boiler was constantly burning and the Club had been advised by an engineer that if this went out then they would not be willing to repair it or carry out maintenance work on the current boiler. A loan had been considered but the Club would prefer not to have to do this.

Hagley Primary School PTA – All Weather Sports Court

The Executive Director, Finance and Resources gave a brief summary of the application which covered the aim of the project and evidence of the impact of growth.

Members of the Panel asked Beth Venross, Chair of the PTA a number of questions including:

· Whether the Sports Court would be available to the wider community – it was acknowledged that the School would benefit, but that the Head of the school was committed to this being for the wider community and had intimated that the School would fund floodlights for the Court. This would be the only Court of its type in the area and it was hoped would become an integral part of the community.

Alvechurch Communities Together – Friendship Matters Project

The Executive Director, Finance and Resources gave a brief summary of the application which covered the aim of the project and evidence of the impact of growth.

Councillor Van Der Plank attended on behalf of Alvechurch Communities Together and the Members of the Panel asked a number of questions including:

· The age range it would cover - focus would be on retired people as there was already an established youth group network and building an inter-generational link between the two.

· What the project would entail – the funds would help set up the project, purchase equipment etc for group activities and perhaps for trips. The aim would be for training to be provided to one person and then this would be cascaded down to other volunteers.

Cllr Van Der Plank was asked to feedback to the organisation that there remained an outstanding grant from the previous year which needed to be claimed within the 12 month period set or it would be lost.

Hagley Ramblers Scout Group – New Headquarters Projects

The Executive Director, Finance and Resources gave a brief summary of the application which covered the aim of the project and evidence of the impact of growth. Members were advised that this was the same project which had bid for funds, unsuccessfully, previously and which was now part of a capital bid which would be considered by the Cabinet in September.

Jim Austin and Sue Corlett, representatives from the Hagley Ramblers Scout Group attended and responded to a number of questions form Members:

· Why this amount had not been included within the capital bid – it was suggested that as the need was as a consequence of housing developments, that an application would be submitted.

· What would happen if the capital bid was unsuccessful - the project was phased and fund raising and alternative funding streams would be sought if necessary.

· It was confirmed that there was £150,00 already set aside for the project.

· How many young people were on the waiting list – 78, lots more girls wanted to join and were waiting for a space. They had set up an extra Cub and Scout pack a couple of years ago.

· Would the new building be open to others – yes, the aim was for it to be used by the local community during the day and the funds raised from this would contribution to the overall upkeep of the new building.

· Whether disabled access was available – yes there would be and the Ramblers group had an all-inclusive policy.

Members suggested that it would be more appropriate for the funds requested to be added to the Capital Bid.

Bromsgrove Cricket, Hockey and Tennis Club – Improvement to car parking and infrastructure

The Executive Director, Finance and Resources gave a brief summary of the application which covered the aim of the project and evidence of the impact of growth.

Nick Husbands, a representative from Bromsgrove Cricket, Hockey and Tennis Club attended to respond to questions from the Panel.

· Why were the improvements needed – it was explained that as the clubs had grown and larger events were held then there was a need for more parking spaces. What currently happened was that when a big event was held at the site people parked on the road, which was very busy, and which could cause problems. The facilities were also used for other organisations, the car park had been used by the Primrose Hospice for parking at their annual fete in the past, but unfortunately due to a clash with an event at the Club this had not been possible this year.

· Was the Club run as a charity– the Club was run on a not for profit basis with all money being re-invested within the club and it was open to anyone to join, of whatever age or ability.

· The project would be carried out in three stages starting with the car park, then the entrance, followed by the bar extension. If funds were not forthcoming then fund raising events would continue and the Club would look at other funding streams available.

· Had the Club made contact with Bromsgrove School – it was explained that some students attended but approaches to the School itself to work in partnership had been unsuccessful.

Belbroughton & Fairfield Parish Council – Fairfield Recreation Ground Car Park Extension

The Executive Director, Finance and Resources gave a brief summary of the application which covered the aim of the project and evidence of the impact of growth.

John Farrell, Parish Clerk attended on behalf of the Parish Council to respond to questions from the Panel.

· Whether planning permission had been granted – this was currently being discussed as the land in question was within the Green Belt. It had not been listed for consideration by the Planning Committee as yet.

· Had there been any accidents in the vicinity – there had not been but there was an issue with people parking on the road.

· The land was owned by the Parish Council, if necessary the cost could be covered by the Parish Council, but this may necessitate an increase in the precept.

· Whether 12 spaces would be sufficient – it was confirmed that it would most certainly be helpful.

Barnt Green Cricket Club – Installation of electronic scoreboard

The Executive Director, Finance and Resources gave a brief summary of the application which covered the aim of the project and evidence of the impact of growth.

Alistair Hick, Club Secretary attended to respond to any questions from the Panel.

· Had sponsorship been considered – it was explained that this had been looked at for all costs, and whilst some was in place for other areas of the club, none had been forthcoming for this project.

· The current scoreboard – was a wooden blackboard type which was over 20 years old and inadequate for the level of cricket played.

· Funding from the ECB or Sports England – funding from the ECB was rotational and tended to be aimed at specific things, new covers had been obtained through it in the previous year.

· Locality of Membership of the Club – this was increasing particularly at the junior level. The majority were from Barnt Green and surrounding areas, probably a 5 mile radius.

· Was it a requirement of the leagues that the Club played in to have an electronic scoreboard – whilst it was not, Barnt Green were the only team in the league which did not have one.

6th Bromsgrove Scout Group – Kitchen Refubishment

The Executive Director, Finance and Resources gave a brief summary of the application which covered the aim of the project and evidence of the impact of growth. It was noted that the Scout Group would contribute £500 from its own funds towards the project.

Councillor Helen Jones attended the meeting to respond to any questions from the Panel.

· Following the improvements made to the hut with the funds received in 2015/16 the Group were hoping to hire out the facilities for the wider community to use – the Church were the first to do so, whilst they themselves were undergoing a refurbishment.

· Improvements to the kitchen facilities would make the hut more inviting to other hirers and also allow the Scouts to learn more cooking skills. This would then give the Scouts a small income stream which would go towards the maintenance and ongoing running costs of the building.

Wythall & District Neighbourhood Watch Scheme – Wythall Smart Water Project

(Councillor Baxter withdrew from the meeting and took no part in the discussions in respect of this application. Councillor May acting as Chairman for this item)

The Executive Director, Finance and Resources gave a brief summary of the application which covered the aim of the project and evidence of the impact of growth.

Representatives from the Neighbourhood Watch Scheme attended the meeting in order to respond to any questions from Members:

· The project is costed at £20,000 with £10,000 coming from the County Councillor – yes and if necessary they would do their own fund raising. It was hoped to cover 60% at least as this would qualify for the appropriate signage to say it was a SmartWater area and for a discount. The signage was an import part of the project as it had been shown to make a difference to crime rates within an area. The long term plan would be to cover 85% of the area.

· How will it get rolled out – Police cadets and a mix of volunteers through door knocking and leaflets, it will be offered out to everyone.

· What are the benefits – it is seen as a deterrent and can also be used for reclaiming stolen items through second hand shops many of whom now have the equipment to check to see if items are stolen.

North West Ward Association – Outside Gym in the Meadows

The Executive Director, Finance and Resources gave a brief summary of the application which covered the aim of the project and evidence of the impact of growth.

Catherine Simcox and Ian Prust from the North West Ward Association attended the meeting in order to respond to any questions Members might have in respect of the application.

· The concept of outdoor gyms seems to be popular at the moment, do they actually get used? There is evidence that they are used and it is hoped that this one will be used by those residents on low incomes who are not able to access a gym. The Meadows is used regularly by a lot of people and is very popular.

· How many pieces of equipment will be fitted – five in total dotted around the perimeter of the Meadow.

· What if not all the funding is available – it would have to be all or nothing. The Association had done fund raising events previously and would have to consider how we would be able to fund this.

· Have you spoken to the Parish Council – they are very supportive and provide a small amount of capital funding on a regular basis towards ongoing costs.

Bromsgrove Baptist Church – Bromsgrove Youth and Community Hub Project

The Executive Director, Finance and Resources gave a brief summary of the application which covered the aim of the project and evidence of the impact of growth. Funds had already been ring fenced by the north Worcestershire Community Safety Partnership for the Project and from the Church.

Representatives of the Baptist Church and YMCA attended to answer any questions from the Panel.

· What was the anticipated catchment area – it would provide the Town Centre with youth provision but it was also anticipated that young people from Catshill, Charford and Sidemoor would also be encouraged to attend.

· What was the plan – the service would be led by the young people in order to meet their needs. They have spoken to young people who felt that they did not have an identity or somewhere to go. It would be open 7 days a week.

· What happens after the 3 years – this is the pilot scheme and the aim would be to create somewhere on the High Street and possibly have other centres. Whilst the building is within the Church they want it to be used for the benefit of all members of the community.

· Staffing – the YMCA have a volunteer programme and then the volunteers become integral members of the staff in the future.

· Will it be religious based – No, whatever is needed will be provided in order to guide and support the young people, but it will not be specifically for religious purposes.

Wythall Tennis Club – Expanding community Tennis throughout the year

(As Councillor Baxter had supported this bid in her role as Ward Councillor she moved to sit in the public gallery and Councillor May chaired the meeting for this item.)

The Executive Director, Finance and Resources gave a brief summary of the application which covered the aim of the project, to lay an artificial surface on Court 3 to allow tennis to be played all year round and evidence of the impact of growth.

Representatives from the Tennis Club attended in order to provide responses to any questions from the Panel.

· Had the Club expanded in recent years – to some extent and it had support from the school and church. The coaches also went out to schools in Redditch. There were currently around 150 members.

· Demographics of the membership – age range from 4 to 70 years. Encourage anyone to come and play, they provided rackets and balls and you can stay and play for £2 per session.

· Applied to LTA for funding – had tried but they were very restrictive in what you could use the funds for.

· If all the funds requested were not forthcoming what would happen – funds were available for work on Court 4 which could if necessary wait to be resurfaced a little longer and that money used for this work, but then the work will need to be carried out at a later date.

· The Club was the only one open to the public in the area and was very much part of the community.

Wythall Community Association – Upgrade Existing Changing Room/Toilet facilities

(As Councillor Baxter had supported this bid in her role as Ward Councillor she moved to sit in the public gallery and Councillor Thompson chaired the meeting for this item.)

The Executive Director, Finance and Resources gave a brief summary of the application which covered the aim of the project and evidence of the impact of growth.

Representatives from the Community Association attended to respond to questions from Members.

· What is the Wythall Community Association – it is a registered charity, which manages the Park for the benefit of the local community. Funds are raised through various events and hiring the club house rooms out to numerous organisations and sports clubs. The area which needs upgrading is not up to present day standards as more women and disabled users were using the facilities they need to be brought up to date.

· A grant is received form the Parish Council towards the running cost of the Park. It was also noted that there was not a Council owned park in the area. There are 4 football pitches with 4 junior and 5 senior teams.

· Section 106 monies have paid for the playground and trim track but these did not generate any income.

· The Community Association was run by trustees with skeleton staff.

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