Meeting documents

It was suggested that the 3 grant applications would be discussed separately.

The Senior Sport and Healthy Lifestyles Officer presented his report to members to detail the grant request for flood-lighting at Crewkerne Rugby Football Club.

He explained to members that then club had seen impressive levels of growth over the last few years, but that the pitch was now in poor condition, due to over training on the pitch. He explained that the proposed flood lighting would allow training on the whole pitch and not just areas which are currently lit.

He pointed out to members that all other rugby clubs competing at this level, across the district, have flood lighting.

He used a PowerPoint presentation to show the existing lighting and proposed floodlights. He clarified for members that planning permission had be approved and that the rugby club is not situated close to many residential properties.

Simon Shackleford spoke in support of the grant application. He explained to members that the rugby club had grown over the last 5 or 6 years and that there had been improvements in both coaching and facilities. He advised that the club now attracted more players and supporters and thanked SSDC for their continued support in the club. It was his view that lighting was the next step in developing the rugby club and that this would also increase safety.

Councillor Angie Singleton spoke in support of the application and expressed her thanks to local residents who had attended the meeting to support the application.

Councillor Marcus Barrett congratulated the team on raising a significant amount of funding themselves and offered his support to the application.

The Senior Sport and Healthy Lifestyles Officer responded to questions from members.

Following the discussion, it was proposed and seconded that the application be approved as per the officer report.

On being put to the vote, this was carried 13 in support, with 1 abstention.

The Area Development lead presented her report to members which detailed the grant request for funding towards a skate park in Crewkerne. She explained that it had been 2 years since the Crewkerne skate park had been removed and that it was hoped that a new skate park could be opened in Crewkerne.

Annette Roffey spoke in support of the application. She advised that she had been working with younger members of the community for a number of years to try to develop a skate park and hoped that their hard work and commitment could be rewarded.

Tom, Joe and Finley addressed the Committee to speak in support of the application. They explained to members that they had been working hard for a number of years on fund-raising events, such as cake sales to raise funds for the project.

The Area Development Lead responded to questions to members. She explained that the proposed stake park was more modern, safer, quieter and more durable than the previous skate park.

Councillor Angie singleton spoke in support of the application and offered praise to the boys who had worked hard on the project and had spoken at the meeting.

Following the discussion, it was proposed and seconded that this grant request be approved as per the officer report.

On being put to the vote this was carried unanimously.

The Area Development Lead presented her report detailing the grant request towards an extension to The Henhayes Centre in Crewkerne.

Tim Udell addressed the Committee and spoke in support of the application. He explained that the reception area of the centre is often cold and hoped that the extension to the centre would help to keep the centre warmer. He also hoped that the extension would provide further storage and an improved reception area.

The Neighbourhood Development Officer (Communities) informed the members that the centre provided hot meals and social events for older residents of Crewkerne. She explained that the reception area is often cold and draughty.

She pointed out that there was an error in her report and the funding table should read that 27% was now being sought from SSDC.

Councillor Marcus Barrett expressed his hope that the centre retained an open and friendly look once the extension had been built. 

Councillor Angie Singleton offered her support for the extension to the centre. She agreed that the reception area was draughty and felt that this would be a good investment.

Following the discussion, it was proposed and seconded that this grant request be approved as per the officer report.

On being put to the vote this was carried unanimously.

Reason: To agree grants towards 3 projects in Crewkerne.