Agenda item

Consider application for financial assistance from Jed Thistle Rugby Football Club.  (Copy attached.)

3.0            APPLICATION FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

3.1            JEDBURGH THISTLE RFC

                 There had been circulated copies of an application, together with copies of the Financial Statement, OSCR Financial Statement, cost plan report for the project and proposed layout of the of the storeroom extension from Jed Thistle RFC.  The project ‘Helping Young People Get Fit For The Future’ aimed to improve the quality of life by helping to fund an extension to the current Club premises.  The building was 30 years old and required a general upgrade which would include an extension, additional windows, improved insulation and lighting, greater comfort and sustainability.  The extension would allow the tables and chairs to be stored outwith the Hall and to provide an indoor fitness area for the players, allowing them to train indoors during poor weather and continue activities throughout the winter months.    The upgrade would enhance the attractiveness of the premises to other user groups within the local area, providing wheelchair access, disabled facilities and a large car park.  The premises were currently used by a number of organisations including the Pensioners lunch Club, Toddlers Group, Ladies Groups and the Scottish Fire and Safety Community outreach.

3.2            Mr Norman Ker, Treasurer was present via Microsoft Teams and explained that the full cost of the project was £102,500 plus VAT and a grant of £65,000 was being sought from the Common Good to provide match funding in order to apply to other sources of Funding, with any surplus being paid back to the Common Good.  Funding had been secured from the National Lottery - £9,900; £3,200 from ClubSportRoxburgh and £1,000 from all Arnold Clark Foundation.  The preparatory work and planning application had been paid from club funds and Mr Kerr detailed other sources of funding which had been applied for totalling £172,000 including Build Back a Better Borders (£15,000 maximum award if successful).  In response to a question about the length if the lease of the land, Mr Kerr confirmed that the land had been purchased and was in soul ownership of the Club.  There was lengthy discussion regarding the sum of money under consideration and Community Councillor Taylor suggested that part of the request be paid in a Grant and the remainder given as a loan with a standard security.  In order to allow such a transaction, the constitution of the Club would require to be altered to ensure that should the club cease to exist the money would be returned to the Common Good.   It was also confirmed that a payment over the sum of £20,000 would require approval of Scottish Borders Council.  In order to allow Mr Kerr the opportunity to discuss the terms with the Club Committee, it was agreed to continue consideration of the application to the next meeting scheduled to be held on 17 November 2021.

                 DECISION

                 AGREED to continue consideration of the application to the next meeting scheduled to be held on 17 November 2021.