Cash boost for safety projects

Three groups in the Reepham area have received a share of �15,000 to help improve the safety in the area.The cash, which came from a so-called participatory budgeting scheme through Broadland Community Safety Partnership, was open to any group or organisation who needed a cash boost to kick start their project.

Three groups in the Reepham area have received a share of �15,000 to help improve the safety in the area.

The cash, which came from a so-called participatory budgeting scheme through Broadland Community Safety Partnership, was open to any group or organisation who needed a cash boost to kick start their project.

Three bids were received, which were assessed by a steering group to be valuable projects and there was enough money to grant fund to each of them.

As there was enough money to fund the three projects, short listing and a decision making event, planned as part of the participatory funding idea, was not necessary.

A decision making event which was meant to take place on Monday, March 8, has been cancelled.

Felthorpe Youth Forum is to be given �10,000 for a youth shelter and footpath to provide youth provision for teenagers to help reduce anti-social behaviour.

Wherry Housing Association will be given �2,200 to spend on a double timber swing as part of a transformation of a disused area of Schoolfield, Felthorpe into a play area.

Weston Longville Parish Council was given �1,080 to purchase a speed gun for their efforts as part of Reepham area Community Speedwatch.

The funding each group received will need to be spent within the year.

Broadland said it was likely to hold more participatory budgeting schemes in the future.

Bids that are successfully short listed would be asked to present their proposal to residents who decide where the money should be allocated.