The funding builds on the decision by the Joint Executive to bring back Ward Committees last year and devolve nearly £1million annually.

Re-establishing proper Ward Committees was a key priority for the Liberal Democrats before last May’s elections and the allocated funding has been used in 2015/16 to support dozens of projects across York.

Of the extra £150,000, £100,000 will be divided amongst wards to support local priorities with the remaining £50,000 funding community-led environmental or gardening projects across the city.

Cllr Keith Aspden, Deputy Leader of City of York Council with responsibility for Economic Development and Community Engagement, commented:

“This report outlines our approach to supporting improvements to our parks and other public open spaces, based on the priorities decided by local communities. It builds on our efforts to devolve funding and decision-making to wards and confirms our commitment to work with volunteers and groups to maintain and improve the quality of our shared spaces.”

Huntington & New Earswick Ward will receive an extra £6,114 under the plans. The re-established Huntington & New Earswick Ward Committee supported a number of projects in 2015/16, including  grants to Community Action for Nature, for youth work at St Andrew’s Church, the Toolbox Project for youth mechanics, lighting for the public footpath around All Saints Church and money for transport for Kidz Club.

More information can be found here

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