MSDC supports local organisations with grant funding

PR2392/EC/MF - 05/11/2021

Mid Sussex District Council has awarded local community groups £6755 in Section 106 developer contributions and grant funding to help reduce food waste and combat anti-social behaviour.

The Cabinet Grants Panel met on Monday 25 October to consider applications from the local community for grant funding.

Scrapless Community Interest Company in Burgess Hill was granted £1,600 to buy fridges so that they can store left over fruit and vegetables for longer. Scrapless is a green business that reduces waste by allowing customers to buy food and cleaning products in refillable containers. Local farms provide them with excess fruit and vegetables and this food is passed on to Burgess Hill Pantry, a group that helps people on low incomes to spread their food budget further and reduce food poverty.

The Bolnore Village Community Partnership has been allocated £5,155 of Section 106 developer contributions to upgrade the CCTV system at The Woodside Pavilion and the surrounding area. The Pavilion is the local community centre in Bolnore Village, Haywards Heath, providing a venue for a wide range of activities, from baby and toddler groups to dance classes, children’s parties to sports changing.

Sussex Police have been called out to the Recreation Ground on a number of occasions to deal with incidents of anti-social behaviour. The Police have advised that upgrading the CCTV system at The Woodside Pavilion would provide them with clear images to use as evidence and significantly improve community safety in the area.

Councillor Norman Webster, MSDC Cabinet Member for Community said:

“Scrapless is doing wonderful work in Burgess Hill, helping residents to buy their food in a sustainable way without the need for unnecessary packaging. I’m delighted that we’re able to support them with the purchase of these fridges and we can help prevent perfectly edible food going to waste. By donating fruit and vegetables to the Burgess Hill Pantry, Scrapless are not only helping people in food poverty, they are encouraging healthy eating, which has such a positive effect on the lives of local people.

“The Woodside is at the heart of the Bolnore Village community and it’s important that people of all ages feel confident to gather there and are able to take part in social activities in a safe environment. This investment in modern CCTV equipment will provide significant additional support to Sussex Police and ensure the area is better protected for residents and visitors.”

ENDS