Harrogate Borough Council

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22 September 2008 A council which was commended in a national compact for its support to the voluntary and community sector will this week welcome the national commissioner, Sir Bert Massie. 

 

Harrogate Borough Council has invited Sir Bert to visit Bilton Community Centre as part of his tour of Yorkshire.  On behalf of the council, Sir Bert will present a cheque for £650 to the Community Centre to pay for 14 new tables.  This funding will come from the council's Community Chest. 

 

Bilton Community Secretary Barry Jeffrey says tables in a community centre are the building's lifeblood and with 22 different groups using the building, they will certainly get a lot of use.  He said:  "Our old tables were worn out and even a potential safety hazard.  The Community Chest grant meant we could afford new ones and everyone has praised the replacements.  I am delighted that the council could support the centre with this cash contribution."

 

The council set up the £30,000 fund in 2007, in response to consultation with local voluntary and community groups who said that, although they can apply for funds from a variety of regional and national sources, they often need a small amount of local financial support.

 

As well as a number of other small grants this year, £3,500 has gone to the local Alzheimer's Society, £4000 to Oatlands pre-school, £2000 to Relate, £2,725 to the Unity Allotment Association, £2,000 to the Park Square Residents' Association, £790 to the Burton Leonard Maypole Trust and £500 for the statue to Blind Jack.

 

Council Leader, Mike Gardner explained why the council signed up the National Compact.  He said:  "The aims of the Compact are to ensure that the voluntary and statutory sectors work together to improve and enhance the services and support they offer to the public.  Together with the Harrogate and Ripon Councils' for Voluntary Service, we received the commendation from the National Compact for the better funding relationships we have and I am proud to say that it was the only award in this category and also the only award in Yorkshire and the North East of England."