Full Council met last week to consider a packed agenda, with updates on a number of key projects.
Top of the list was the Compass Point programme. The Council agreed to meet a funding gap of up to £60k, should it be needed – although it is very much hoped that the National Lottery Heritage Fund will offer additional support. Further detail HERE. Interviews with two experienced contractors took place on Monday, 6 March and there will be more to say on this shortly.
The Council also received a report on the Wheeled Sports Facility project. To date, funding applications have been unsuccessful, largely because the project is not sufficiently well developed. To stand a better chance of securing funds in future applications to the Lottery and Community Levelling-Up Programme, the Council agreed to use the £50,000 already set aside in reserves for the Wheeled Sports Facility to move forward with commissioning the design and planning permission elements of the project.
During the meeting, North Kernow Community Housing (a new Community Land Trust for Bude and the surrounding areas) gave a presentation to Councillors outlining how the Trust will work, and explaining how they are looking to build a portfolio of houses to deliver affordable renting to the community. NKCH is currently recruiting its team, so get in touch with them at Unit 22, Bude Business Centre, northkernowhousing@gmail.com or 01288 255655.
The Council agreed to continue supporting the school holiday Food and Activity Programme, which is delivered by LJD Coaching. It has agreed a spend of up to £6,300. The Programme will run for four days over the Easter holidays, and offers subsidised holiday activities for kids, and a meal. Details of the latest programme will be published by LJD Coaching soon.
With only six weeks to go until No Mow May, the Council’s has also noted support for the Environment and Climate Change Forum’s Bio-Blitz event, which will take place towards the end of May. The idea is to find and record plants and insects on Summerleaze Downs, upload the information to nature recording websites, and engage with the general public and specialist groups to see how we can enhance nature in our community. There will be more to follow on this soon.
The Council also signed off on the 2023/2024 meeting schedule, which can be found HERE, and awarded the tender for the Lower Wharf Kiosk to the highest bid, at £18,300 per annum.
The meeting concluded with a closed session regarding the future of the Post Office and local store in Stratton. The Council is continuing to explore the potential purchase of 1 Lords Court, Stratton.
Ends
