Purpose

This report presents an application for funding under the Council’s Community Funding Programme.

An application has been received from Lockswood Community & Sports Association for £4,999 from the Community Fund towards the complete re-sanding and sealing of the sports hall floor. Lockswood Community Centre is a busy community facility with a range of user groups. Their sports hall facility is their biggest income generator with 35 groups using the hall each week. Over the years the floor has been badly damaged caused by scuffs and equipment, causing dents in the wood block floor. Safety of the sports hall users, especially the preschool aged Gym Tots users is of the upmost importance. The sports hall floor was last lightly refurbished in February 2021, but it is now requiring a much deeper refurbishment. The Association has measures in place to protect the floor as much as the centre can. The refurbishment project involves a complete sanding of the sports hall floor, involving three coats of Granwood Floor Sealer. The two badminton courts and the five-a-side football pitch lines will be remarked. It is hoped that if this application is approved, that this work can be carried out during the Christmas closure for minimal disruption to its users. Lockswood Community and Sports Association have identified that the total cost of refurbishing the sports hall floor is £7,438 and are requesting a contribution of £4,999 from the Council’s Community Fund. The remainder of the funds required can be met by the Association’s savings and contingency fund (£2,439). As of 18 October 2023, Lockswood Community & Sports Association held £114,474.92 in their accounts. In the accounting year August 22-July 23 there was an income of £111,091 and expenditure of £94,491. Both Cllr Mrs Bayford and Cllr Daniells support Lockswood Community & Sports Association’s application.

Decision

RESOLVED that this application be approved.