HAXEY Parish Council is gearing up to take over the running of Westwoodside Pavilion and Playing Fields.
Due to dwindling numbers, it is believed committee members from the Playing Fields Association feel it will be difficult to continue running the facilities, and so requested the parish council’s help. At its last meeting there was concern among a few councillors that the task would prove too onerous, but chairman David Knowles was confident that a takeover would be successful. The parish council hopes to take on trustee-ship to enable this to happen, and the full council authorised a new working party to study the matter in detail. It will report back to members at the next meeting, and decide then on taking action forward. Mr Knowles said: “Some members voiced concern about getting into a financial pit, but should this go ahead the parish clerk will have full control of the purse strings. “There is no precept for the playing fields but in effect we should not be spending any more by running them.” The pavilion, where the parish council meets, is in great need of renovation costing at least £25,000, added Mr Knowles. But grant applications to both North Lincolnshire Council and the National Lottery may bring in some cash to spruce up the premises. Three football teams use the facilities, that include changing rooms and a small kitchen, regularly. “We also feel that the access road needs upgrading, along with the car park, and this work will all form part of our plans,” added Mr Knowles. “We will be taking advice from the Charity Commission, and if we have proper governance and a change of constitution I see no practical difficulties. “Some members are unsure if we should get involved with this kind of activity, but others are strongly for. It was unanimous that we should go ahead and appoint a working party to take the matter forward.” Westwoodside Playing fields Association will retain an interest and, Mr Knowles added: “This may all take a little time but it is my belief that such an involvement is exactly what we, as parish councillors, should be doing.” Full story: http://www.epworthbells.co.uk/news/local/takeover-bid-for-westwoodside-playing-fields-1-5373119
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February 2014
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