GLORIA CAWOOD’S JANUARY 09 REPORT TO PARISHES AND PEOPLE OF MENDIP CENTRAL AND EAST
Gloria’s Diary……….
This was a very difficult month for my portfolio, with two special meetings of the Executive Board to discuss schools, as well as the usual monthly meeting. It was decided to close of Blagdon School, where only 7 of the 70 children in the catchment area attend this 17 pupil primary school. The amalgamation of North Petherton Infant and Junior Schools on one site was well supported by the local community. There was greater opposition to the amalgamation of Bradford, Oake and Nynehead – the minus being that the new four class school will be built at Oake. 14 children come from Nynehead.
In addition I spent three days, with others, interviewing bidders for the Bridgwater, and possibly ultimately the Somerset Building Schools for the Future programme. The Bridgwater BSF, which involves the building of 4 new Secondary and two new Special Schools alone will draw down over £100m of Government funding for this. Somerset is already bidding for the next phase, which will involve replacing other schools in Somerset, Securing local employment through these schemes is high on our agenda.
Apologies for the short report, but have been suffering flu, but hopefully improving fast. Controlling the cough is difficult and after several attacks today, I need to take things gently.
Although my work takes me to different parts of the County, you can always contact me by e-mail or phone if you need my help.
Home:01749-880404 Fax:01749-880263 Mobile:07815-181393
e-mail: gmcawood@somerset.gov.uk
COUNTY COUNCILLOR’S COMMUNITY GRANT AND LOCAL INITIATIVES BUDGET – January 2009
This is the progress made on my County Councillor’s and Community Grants. As you will see, both are spent up, but there is still some funding in Somerset County Council’s Community Chest (going fast), which gives up to £750 match funding.
Contact Heidi Hogben 01823-355008
County Councillor’s Grant Bids - £5,000
Parish Lengthsman Pilot £1,100 agreed – covers Stratton, Stoke and Kilmersdon Parishes
Leigh-on Mendip VH Extension – paint £ 265 agreed
Stoke Playing Field Safety bark £ 300 agreed
Kilmersdon PC Street Lights £ 750 agreed
Witham Friary PC Play equipment £ 500 agreed
Nunney PC Play Equipment £ 750 agreed + match funded with Somerset Community Chest
LOM Youth Equipment £ 500 agreed
Nunney Village Hall Curtains £ 400 agreed + match fund with Somerset Community Chest
Doulting PC Bolters Lane Project £ 435 agreed
Total £5,000
Local Initiatives Budget - £15,000
Leigh Active Living Centre IT project £2,200 Older people project (reaches out to other villages.)
Batcombe\Stoke PC Allotments £5,500 Other parishes are interested- Cranmore, Wanstrow,
Witham Friary PC BMX track £2,800
Doulting Street Lighting £2,000 More parishes may have projects for this fund
Stratton PC Bus Shelter Project £2,500
Mendip Rural Project YP’s Village Voices £6,650 24 Young People
Community Learning Project Village courses £7,380 Health\IT\How Green is your Village?\Celebrating local life
(I am still waiting to hear if these have been successful. Initial soundings are that at least one will go through, probably on the reduced option2 basis both have.)
Gloria Cawood 19 January 2009