£30k dished out at area committee

MORE CASH Work began on the lake at the end of last year

Top of the pile was cash to fund Eastborough Tenants and Residents’ Assocation’s (TRA) community learning hub. Councillors released £14,885 to renovate the caretaker’s house which is owned by and attached to Eastborough Junior, Infant and Nursery School.

The community development worker at the school runs a variety of voluntary groups that currently meet in the main school building, but there is not enough room to carry on.

The funding will pay for decoration of the house, laying of carpets, installing safe access, a new kitchen and building toilets, ensuring the classes can continue. English, parenting and internet safety classes are currently held at the school.

Coun Paul Kane (Lab, Dews East) said: “The TRA have been doing some fantastic work with the school. Both of them can use the facilities and the TRA will benefit from free rent.”

More than £5,000 was given to the Love Our Lake project in Crow Nest Park. A grant application of £5,616 was approved to make up a shortfall in funding that will bring the Victorian lake back to its former glory.

The Friends of Crow Nest Park secured £52,900 from the Heritage Lottery Fund last year to cover the cost of simple repairs and a community education programme.

But after initial draining and de-silting work began late last year, it was discovered more repair work was needed.

The bitumen barrier around the base and side has broken down, causing molten tar to leak into the lake and at times, bubbble up to the surface. The area committee cash will ensure the total bill of £28,000 for repairing the lake can be met.

Councillors approved £9,180 for the refurbishment of the main hall and toilets of the Taleem Training and Community Centre, which is managed by the Savile Town Community Association. The cash will go towards a £25,000 plan by the centre to bring the facilities up to scratch, making it easier to rent out to community groups and more sustainable in the future.