DROITWICH Town Council is now recommending £117,000 of New Homes Bonus money be given to several local causes.
It comes after a public vote organised by The Standard last October to help decide where the cash went – the first time ever in the UK a newspaper and council had teamed up to run a poll to determine where NHB cash went.
Three of the four projects voted for by Standard readers have now been allocated funds, including The King George V Sports Community Interest Company (CIC) – the winner of the public vote – which will get £33,000 towards refurbishing its toilet block and changing rooms.
We reported last week how the development at the King George V Playing Fields would give Droitwich its ‘first proper football ground’ and had the potential to make the town a centre of sporting excellence.
A council spokesperson said: “The Town Council looked again at its suggested amounts and took account of the responses it received following the successful public consultation exercise undertaken with the kind assistance of the ‘Droitwich Standard’ newspaper.”
Richard Whittall, independent chairman of the CIC, said: “It is great news to have this money in place.
“The fact we won the public vote shows how residents feel about what we are doing here.”
Readers also voted for the Old Libary Community Garden, which has now won £4,000 to transform a derelict piece of land into an environmentally-sustainable garden.
St Peter’s Field was the third project readers chose. An initial sum of £15,000 with future monies has been pledged for the community Pavilion for St Peters Fields Sports Association.
Funds to other projects include £25,000 to Droitwich Rugby Football Club for pitch improvements and floodlighting and £40,000 towards town centre events and infrastructure – that will allow Droitwich to host upgraded events and contribute to economic stimulation.
Anyone wanting to comment on the New Homes Bonus, how they feel the allocation process went or on the projects can call Droitwich Town Clerk, Pam Craney on 01905 774258 before July 1.
