Mid Sussex District Council grants over £30,000 to local community projects

PR2306/EC/MF - 30/10/2020

Mid Sussex District Council has provided over £30,000 in funding to help local community organisations improve their facilities and services.

The Mid Sussex District Council Cabinet Grants Panel met on 19 October to discuss the release of emergency funds and the allocation of Section 106 developer contributions. The award of £33,498 to the successful applicants was confirmed on 29 October 2020.

The Ansty Village Centre Trust was awarded £27,073 towards the installation of modern fixtures and fittings at the new Ansty Recreation Ground sports and community centre. The new centre is currently under construction and this investment will ensure the community space is comfortable, secure and accessible, ready for it to open to the public in Spring 2021.

The new facilities will transform Ansty, providing it with an attractive community space and the opportunity to develop and diversify the range of recreational activities available to residents and visitors. Planned activities currently include a coffee club, soft play groups, youth clubs, exhibitions, dancing, yoga and keep-fit classes. The new centre will also have four changing rooms, serving the sports clubs who use the recreation ground for cricket and football.

The Hurstpierpoint Allotment Association has been granted £1,375 towards the installation of five new water tanks and standpipes at the allotment on Albourne Road. The association, which is run entirely by volunteers, manages the allotment plots and provides insurance, communal equipment and advice throughout the year. Demand for the allotment plots has increased significantly over the past few years, which in turn has increased the demand for water. Many people find it difficult to carry water from the existing taps, so these new tanks and standpipes will ensure the allotments are accessible for everyone.

Ashenground Community Centre and East Grinstead Town Council both received funds to mitigate the impact of Covid-19. Ashenground Community Centre was awarded £2,642 towards protecting users from Covid-19 and East Grinstead Town Council was granted £2,408 to cover the costs they incurred in the immediate response to the coronavirus outbreak.

The Council has pledged to award a total of £300,000 in grants to local businesses, community groups and voluntary organisations affected by the coronavirus pandemic though a new Covid-19 Recovery Grant Fund. Grants of £1,000 to £5,000 are available now to help local businesses and organisations through the Covid-19 crisis. To apply visit www.midsussex.gov.uk/licensing-business/corporate-grants/

Councillor Norman Webster, Cabinet Member for Community said:

“The coronavirus pandemic and the resulting lockdown measures have taken their toll on the resilience of our local community groups and voluntary organisations. Many have incurred unexpected costs or lost significant revenue because they have been unable to generate income or carry out fundraising activities as they would normally.

“I’m delighted that Mid Sussex District Council is continuing to support the voluntary sector. I strongly encourage local organisations, and businesses, to apply now for a share of our £300,000 grant fund, so they can adapt to the current restrictions and develop new ways of working in the future.”

For more information about Cabinet Grant funding and the release of Section 106 developer contributions contact the Mid Sussex District Council Community Services Team on 01444 477275 or email Elaine.Clarke@midsussex.gov.uk.

ENDS