Agenda item

          SECTION 3: COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT AND COMMUNITY FUNDING

2.1     Cheviot Funding Table 2022/23

          There had been circulated copies of the Cheviot Funding for 2022/23 which detailed the funding available together with information on the allocation of the Community Grant Fund.  The overall opening balance as at 1 April 2022 was£111, 862.04, less monies awarded thus far (£2,492), the total monies under consideration today (£10,000) and the final balance on their approval (£99,370).

2.2     Neighbourhood Assessment Panel

There had been circulated copies of a report which detailed the recommendations of the Cheviot Community Fund Assessment Panel. The report provided a brief description of each application received and a recommendation on the sum to be awarded to each project.

          The Chairman reiterated that as the Cheviot Area Partnership meeting of 28 September 2022 had not been quorate, a further meeting was required to approve the funding applications, although there had been agreement from those present on 28 September.

2.3     Kelso Scout Group

An application had been received for the purchase of three Troop tents to enable large groups of young members to go camping.  The current tents could only accommodate 2-3 Scouts and were in poor condition. The troop tents would accommodate up to 10 children each and were constructed of high quality canvas. The intention was to hold at least two camping trips per year.  The Panel were supportive of the project and recommended awarding £2,500.

2.4     Ancrum & District Heritage Society

An application had been received for the purchase of four interpretation boards to be erected around the village of Ancrum.  The boards would feature information on the heritage and historical sites of Ancrum and the applicant had been working with Scottish Borders Council to gain agreement for the installation of a board in Ancrum’s cemetery.  The Panel were supportive of the project and recommended to award £2,500 on condition that any additional terms and conditions from Scottish Borders Council were completed. 

2.5     Jed Tourism Alliance

An application had been received for the upgrade of the Jedburgh Town website to include key features and information.  The intention was to make the site easier to navigate which would help promote different assets of Jedburgh and beyond.  The longer term finance for the website was supported through donations from the tourism booklets.  The panel agreed to recommend awarding £2,500

2.6     Stable Life

An application had been received for project running costs to deliver an equine assisted learning programme for young people across the Borders which would include young people from Cheviot.  The intention was to help young people develop life skills and strengthen their resilience, increase self-confidence and self-belief, improve relationships and to reach their potential.  The Panel were supportive of the project and recommended awarding £2,500.

          Councillor Mountford sought feedback on the number of people from Cheviot helped by the service and Ms Jardine advised that it was in the region of 11% and agreed to provide information on those from Cheviot who used the service.

DECISION

AGREED that the sum of £2,500 be awarded to each of the following:-

·         Kelso Scout Group

·         Stable Life

·         Ancrum and District Heritage Society

·         Jedburgh Tourism Alliance

 Meeting concluded at 10:07 a.m.