U-turn over revamp cash for playarea
U-turn over revamp cash for playarea
VILLAGERS have been told Government money for a playarea revamp is on its way only days after it was announced the funding had been cut.
Playareas in Ketton and Whissendine had been due to each get a 50,000 revamp, but on Monday morning the parish councils learned that the plug had been pulled.
The Government had axed all Play Builder scheme financial allocations which was funding playarea improvements.
Ketton Parish Council had spent more than 12 months applying for 50,000 for the new equipment and work was due to start on Monday.
However, on Wednesday Ketton Parish Council was contacted by Rutland County Council with the news that the cash would still be coming its way because the project was so far advanced.
Whissendine's grant has still been cut.
Ketton Parish Council chairman Glenis Southern said: "We are absolutely thrilled. The equipment has already been made, and we would have still had to pay for it but would not have the money to install it.
"Rutland County Council pulled out all the stops."
The plans for Whissendine playarea were still in the planning stages and funding will not be reinstated.
Rutland County Councillor for Whissendine Brain Montgomery (Ind), said he was "absolutely furious" the revamp for its playarea in The Nook had been scrapped.
"We spent a lot of time talking to mums in the village about what equipment they would like to see," he said.
"I know we are in a terrible financial state, but we shouldn't take away from the children."
The villages had applied for the money through the previous government's Department for Children, Schools and Families. Rutland County Council lobbied the Government to make sure Ketton received its grant.
Rutland county councillor Heather Wells (Con), portfolio holder for children's and young people's services, said it was fantastic news for Ketton, but disappointing for Whissendine.
Ketton Parish Council is hoping the hold-up will have only put the work back by a couple of days, and the playarea will be completed within two weeks.
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Weather for Stamford
Monday 06 February 2012
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: -2 C to 2 C
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