Article taken from the Shropshire star 21st June 2010
Councillors have approved a plan which will see £4,500 spent on projects in every ward in Telford this year.
Telford and Wrekin Council’s £££ for projects scheme was given approval at a meeting of the authority’s ruling cabinet last night. It will see £150,000 spent across the borough. The meeting was told the move would provide residents with a real opportunity to influence decision on spending.
Cabinet member Cllr Sean Kelly said the scheme would help start small projects or tackle issues that were important to local communities.
He added: “while the council’s main budget is focused on delivering main stream services, £££ for projects will allow communities greater flexibility to identify much smaller local one off schemes, the type of things that can make a real difference on people’s doorstep. It could be as simple as a local community activity or a physical improvement to brighten up an area, but local people can choose what they want.”
“We are particularily keen to explore how the investment will result in maximum effect and benefit for people and it’s important that people get involved in helping this council decide how it’s money if spent.”
More than 650 people have already given feedback on the plans and given a range of suiggestions on how the money should be spent.
Residents will be directly and actively involved in deciding how money is allocated and Telford and Wrekin Council will also be involving ward councillors and Town and parish councils in the planning and development and delivery of the scheme.
The even distribution of funds across the borough’s wards will see some areas benefit that do not usually recive additional funding.
People will be encouraged to vote electronically, by phone and in person at public access points.
A £££ for projects panel with cabinet representatives, is now to be established to ensure projects are delivered and evaluated.