Archived decisions

Appendix 3

Alton Community Association Local Member - Cllr Ludlow

Activity in the community

Community Forum; Transport Forum; Chamber of Commerce; Town Plan; Inter-agency forum; East Hants Network; Youth Council; Community strategy group

Comments

This organisation has taken over the Leisure Learning Classes in the area and is expanding into Petersfield replacing activities that are no longer provided by the colleges. It will continue to expand this programme next year.

In support of the application

The Community Association is also in discussion with East Hampshire District Council regarding the development of a new Community Centre.

The last year has seen a turn round in the fortunes of Alton Community Association. And it was able to operate at a modest surplus.

Our new found stability has enabled us to reach out to other less fortunate groups. Examples of this in the last year are the development of Alton Shopmobility and Petersfield Adult Education.

Bishopstoke Community Association Local Member - Cllr Davies-Dear

Activity in the community

Community Forum; Eastleigh Compact Group

Comments

This organisation is leasing a Hampshire County Council building that has been substantially renovated. It is of some concern that there has been no improvement in their financial position since the refurbishments were completed. It is proposed that this funding should only be available after a plan is developed to increase the income of this centre substantially.

Bursledon & District Community Association Local Member - Cllr House

Cllr House supports this application - at the present time Bursledon Community Association is working with Hampshire County Council and Eastleigh Borough Council to create a library extension. Support for this organisation is vital at this time.

Activity in the community

Comments

The Community Association has recently lost 2 key members of its management committee. Although the association has 25 trustees many of them are not fully aware of the management issues within the centre. They have not set any objectives other than ones relating to capital works and appear to be acting mainly as a letting agent for the building. They are clearly in need of staff support and therefore their budget figure includes sufficient funding for a part time manager's position.

Until their objectives for 2005/06 are clarified, the release of funding for this organisation should be deferred.

In support of the application

We are especially aware of the need to involve the young and with a planned increase in capacity it is hoped that there should be further provision made for the activities of this community.

Denmead Community Association Local Member - Cllr Hindson

Councillor Hindson supports this application. There is an important role for this organisation to play in meeting the needs of an ever expanding community and Hampshire County Council continues to recognise this by providing support to this organisation as appropriate.

Activity in the community

Community Forum; Crime Reduction; Environment; Residents Association; Market Town Health check forum

Comments

The centre is a former school owned by Hampshire County Council. The association has been more pro-active within the community as of late. An up to date survey would assist in identifying current needs. It is proposed to reduce the funding to this organisation as they are financially stable.

In support of the application

The Association has expanded its outreach activities this year, notably with the summer festival and is making progress with its website. Trustees are proactive in the community and well placed to facilitate development of the Association and its activities.

The Parish of Denmead whilst being in Winchester District is on the border with Waterlooville (Havant) and the new Major Development Area between the two settlements. A vibrant Community Association would be in a position to help meet future community needs arising from new population growth, with possible joint management of available community space and facilities.

Emsworth Community Association Local Member - Cllr Gillett

Activity in the community

Community Forum; transport forum; Resident's Association; Crime reduction panel; Local Environment

Comments

The Association has funded the building of a new extension costing £160,000. The new facilities are already being well used and provide a good opportunity to increase activities. As this is a County Council property, additional renovations to the old Victorian building are being funded from the capital programme . This centre operates as a result of the major time contributions from their volunteer committee with minimum staffing. This organisation is financially stable and consequently I would propose a small reduction in their funding.

In support of the application

This year has been a very successful and productive one in that we have achieved a long standing ambition to replace the dilapidated Horsa Hut with a new, three roomed annexe.

Our disappointment has been that we have been unable to complete the mezzanine floor in the existing store area, due to lack of funds. We feel it prudent to keeping reserve between six months and a year's annual outgoings in case we lose a major hirer. Money continues to be tight but we are encouraged by the increase in bookings. Perhaps one urgent thing is more caretaking time but this is again dependent on income.

We are grateful to the County for its continued support and hope that you can maintain the level of core funding at £6,000.

Headley Down Community Association Local Member - Cllr Filer

Activity in the community

Community Forum; Bordon Inter-agency Forum; Crime Reduction Panel; Environment; EHDC Area Committee

Comments

The deficit is mainly being created by the activities of the children's club and pre school .Both these particular activities can apply for money from other sources to assist with the costs. A video will be available later in the year showing the work of the organisation within this community. At the present time this organisation has no managerial support.

In support of the application

Headley Down Community Association provides key support services in an area that is identified as a pocket of deprivation in an area of relative affluence. While the association aims to attract income from lettings the level it can achieve is very limited because of the nature and location of the building. Currently the centre provides activities for young people from 0 - 16 years and it is intended to expand that provision.

Horndean Community Association Local Member - Cllr Byrom

Councillor Byrom supports this application. The community association trustees are managing their property very well and are developing plans to extend and refurbish the current buildings.

Activity in the community

Community Forum; Crime Reduction Panel; Local Environment; plus numerous other groups and forums

Comments

This organisation is a major youth drama provider in this area and it is in the process of developing plans for the expansion of their facilities including the possibility of integrating library provision.

In support of the application

This organisation believes it is important to have knowledge of its community, know its requirements and attempt to meet those needs. They also believe that partnership support is essential in its diverse forms, which includes finance ,advice, training and provision of equipment as this allows them to properly support the community they serve.

Kingsley Centre Local Member - Cllr Filer

Activity in the community

Community Forum; Angling & Wild Life Trust; Inter Agency Forum; East Hants Compact Group Disability Forum; Mencap Local Area Committee; Modernisation of Day Services Group

Comments

This organisation is not actually a Community Association as its services are mainly to people with disabilities. However, it does provide community activities. It is funded through a range of sources including other county council departments.

In support of the application

Kingsley centre provides an invaluable service to the local and wider community. They have an ongoing commitment to developing services for the local community.

Leigh Park Community Association Local Member - Cllr Steel

Activity in the community

Community Development Team of 8+ casual staff.

Local Strategic Partnership - Task Groups.

Anti poverty Steering Group

COMPACT Steering Group.

Community Safety Partnership.

Youth activities, fora and strategy group

Inter-Agency Fora

Leigh Park Management Board.

Support to educational establishments.

Residents Fora,

Children's Fora.

Community capacity building

Havant Online

Early Years support/management

Area Investment Framework steering group

Enabling integration with the community for those with learning disabilities - seen as Best Practise.

Comments

In support of the application

Comment

There is currently an five year funding agreement with this organisation which will come to an end on 31 March 2007. This funding agreement includes support through the provision of seconded staff and cash to the value of £32,000 It is during this financial year that the organisation will need to develop an exit strategy from this funding agreement.

Liss Community Association Local Member - Cllr Cartwright

Activity in the community

Local Area Committee; Road Safety Forum; Cyclists Forum; EH Network; Community Learning Forum

Comments

This building is owned by Hampshire County Council and is well managed by the Community Association.

In support of the application

Much of the success of this organisation has been due to the unstinting efforts of our volunteer helpers with all aspects of the Community Association. The Association is now increasing its effort to reach out beyond the Centre to the wider community. This aspect of the community development was always our intention but it is not cash generative!

The grants received have enabled us to be `non-commercial' as regards voluntary and community activities. This means that the `local benefit, particularly to the less advantaged of our fellow citizens, has been far greater than the monetary value of the grants.

Last year despite unavoidable cost increases we achieved a small surplus (4.1%) on our unrestricted funds.

However, there is increasing pressure on our budgets due to:-

Increased staffing costs: Our level of activity has gone beyond our ability to cover administrative and repair jobs with volunteer effort and we need to pay for increased staffing at the Centre.

Increased maintenance and security costs: These result from increased use of the centre. There is a need to spend more on redecoration, furniture and floor covering.

Increased heating costs: Due to the climate change levy, higher gas and electricity rates and due to greater use of the building.

The cost of insurance has greatly increased.

Our growth in income has been steady but not spectacular and our scope for raising charges are comparable with elsewhere and we want to increase subsidised community/voluntary.

Lyndhurst Community Association Local Member - Cllr Kendall

Activity in the community

Community Forum; Transport Forum; Crime Reduction Panel; Local Environment; Residents Association

Comments

This organisation is developing plans for a new Sports Hall and needs to make improvements to the building in order to expand their programme. They are continuing to work with us to develop plans for the Library Service within Lyndhurst and the income shown includes expectations of an increase in lettings income of approximately £12,000.

In support of the application

We are committed to making improvements to the building to assist with our continually expanding programme and meet health and safety requirements.

Overton Community Association Local Member - Cllr Wall

Councillor Wall supports this application. This organisation is run by a hardworking group of trustees who continue to manage this organisation well.

Activity in the community

Community Forums; Biodiversity Group; United Halls Group; CAH

Comments

This organisation is managing a Community Building in the centre of Overton. This building also houses the library. In order to increase its range of activities a major refurbishment of this building is required. The organisation is seeking funds from a range of sources for this capital project. In the meantime this organisation requires revenue support to assist with the day to day running of the organisation and building.

In support of the application

We have moved into being proactive about identifying community needs and responding to them. We now have formed links with local education providers and are funding the first activity to get people back into learning. We are very keen to respond to the findings of our current survey including hiring tutors and supervisors for activities which will require initial revenue support.

Pilands Wood Community Association Local Member - Cllr House

Councillor House supports this application. The immediate area of benefit is a social housing estate of 600. Support for this association is much needed

Activity in the community

Woodlands Park Group; Healthy Living Network

Comments

Pilands Wood Community Association is undergoing changes in governance . This new trustee group have recognised the need to overhaul its financial management system and has recruited a new treasurer who is a trained accountant. It is noted that the income generated from lettings is very low and this is being reviewed. They are being provided with support and advice from the Community Support team through its Area Officer.

It is recommended that this grant should only be given provided

· the Community Association produces a plan to reduce expenditure and increase income

· the trustees meet with the Assistant Community Officer quarterly to monitor the financial management of the organisation

In support of the application

The area of benefit covered by this organisation is one of relative affluence however recently it has experienced an influx of families in need. It is intended that the Association will facilitate the integration of these new residents into the local community ensuring their needs are catered for and offer advice and support where relevant.

Portchester Community Association Local Member - Cllr Price

Councillor Price is happy to support this application provided he can be assured that the organisation is being managed in accordance with its constitution.

Activity in the community

Community Forum; Crime Reduction; Environment

Comments

Some concern has been expressed about the operation of this organisation. It is proposed that release of this funding be deferred until these issues have been resolved.

River Way Community Association Local Member - Cllr Kirk

Councillor Kirk supports this application

Activity in the community

Comments

Wholly community led this new community association in Andover is now completing its first year of operation. Recruitment of a manager has already resulted in increased usage of the building but a realistic approach to further expansion requires that systems and policies are put in place, understood and abided by. The Association will require on going support for the foreseeable future.

In support of the application

The Community Centre is now open and the trustees have appointed a centre manger to promote the centre's usage. The trustees have, with support from Hampshire County Council's Community Support team held 4 open days during February half term with lots of activities for all members of their community

Rowner Residents Community Association Local Member - Cllr Wright

Activity in the community

Comments

There are concerns about the operation of this organisation which is in an area of deprivation. It is proposed that this application is deferred pending the production of a more detailed budget. A member of the Community Support team will assist with the production of this information It may be necessary to provide hands on support to assist this organisation to develop effectively.

Sarisbury & District Community Association Local Member - Cllr Estlin

Activity in the community

Community Forum

Comments

The Association needs to review its programme of usage to enable it to become financially self-sufficient. The deficit for this organisation has not changed over a number of years even though this centre is relatively well used . Support for the manager is being given by a member of staff from the Community Support Service. It is proposed that this funding is deferred until a review of their financial situation is held and an action plan put in place.

In support of the application

Comments mainly related to capital projects

Tadley & District Community Association Local Member - (Vacant)

Activity in the community

Community Forum;

Comments

This organisation has greatly improved its response to local community needs. However, it still requires support while it develops its programme.

In support of the application

With the support of Hampshire County Council during 2004/05, Tadley and District Community Association have been able to make positive steps forward. They have been able to start developing community projects and have had some success fundraising. However, they unexpectedly lost two important lettings (pre-school and ballet school) which have had an adverse impact on their budgeting. This makes them dependent on grant assistance for a further year until such time as we can replace these hirers. We would hope that we have demonstrated during the past 12 months with the support of Hampshire County Council, we can make a success of Tadley and District Community Association.

Titchfield Community Association Local Member - Cllr Harrison

Activity in the community

Community Forum; Environment; Titchfield Village Trust; Youth Forum

Comments

The Association has a good variety of activities on offer. The programme tends to cater for older age groups though the Community Association has relaunched the Oasis Youth Club.

Financially there has been a drop in income from the bar takings. The aims for 2005/06 mainly relate to capital projects and these should be supported through the Community Buildings Fund not through Annual Revenue. Consequently it is proposed to decrease the Revenue Funding and advise the organisation to apply to the appropriate fund for the above works.

In support of the application

A survey carried out in August 2003 showed that the public felt in touch with the centre. The Hampshire County Council grant enables us to offer our services at prices that will continue to attract customers.

Wecock Community Association Local Member - Cllr Allbright

Activity in the community

Crime Reduction Panel, Neighbourhood Forum, Borough Community Association Forum, Green Gym.

Comments

Because a report on this centre was only received in November 2004 a further application has not been requested from this organisation. A member of the Community Support team has been providing hands on support to this organisation. This support is now being reduced. It is proposed to provide financial support as at previous levels while further activity development takes place.

In support of the application

The new centre building enables the development of a programme of activities for the local people of Hart Plain, Wecock Farm and adjoining communities. The Association are and have been talking to potential contributors to the centre activities. These include a group to run the café and Highbury College who will offer a range of ICT courses. New groups include Karate, Fishing and Boxing. The inclusion of the Pre-School group, who have moved into the centre from an adjoining building, has enabled many local mums and dads to have the opportunity to get involved. With the completion of the new building the business aspect of this organisation can now develop and grow significantly enabling it to become self sustaining in the future. The next six months are critical to its development and the trustees require support while they appoint appropriate staff to manage the future business of the centre and develop the income potential of the building.

Whitehill & Bordon Community Association Local Member - Cllr Filer

Activity in the community

Inter-agency Forum; Community Safety Partnership; East Hampshire Network; Crimestoppers; VAEH; Youth Umbrella Group

Comments

This organisation is well funded with grants both from East Hants district council and Bordon town council. It is proposed to provide this organisation with a nominal amount of grant aid.

In support of the application

The diverse nature of the Bordon community, together with the transient army population combine to make Bordon a very difficult area to work in. The organisation provides for SNAP disco events and have managed to re open their after school club after some difficulties recruiting staff.

Wickham Community Association Local Member - Cllr Hindson

Councillor Hindson supports this application. There is a need to forge one community at Wickham and Knowle and community activities need to be developed on the Knowle site.

Activity in the community

Wickham/Knowle consultation

Comments

The community association clearly understands its role and is willing to deliver activities as its constitution requires. It is a sufficiently skilled group to take the initiative re the development of Knowle Community Association.

It was agreed that funding should be awarded for a period of two years to Wickham Community Association who would manage a member of staff who will assist with developments at both centres. Funding for the six month period September2004 - March 2005 was awarded in 2004. However, the member of staff was not appointed until February so funding has been further allocated in the financial year 2005 for 8 months as this organisation is already 4 months in credit. At the present time release of this funding is to be deferred until all information about their finances is available.

In support of the application

At its last thinking day the volunteers of Wickham Community Association recognised that, in order to develop to the needs of the community a more professional approach needs to be adopted. The community organisations of Wickham and Knowle believe that the best way forward was to form a partnership and have appointed a Community Centre development worker to work with both communities.

Winnall Community Association Local Member - Cllr Pamela Peskett

Activity in the community

Community Forum; Transport; Environment; Crime Reduction; WACA

Comments

Winnall Community Association is currently delivering facilities and activities to the community through volunteers. The summer holiday club is only supported financially by Winchester City Council. However, after school and other holiday schemes are popular and undoubtedly meet local needs, the structure itself is unsustainable and likely to collapse without significant financial and officer support. This should not be seen as criticising the level of commitment and dedication existing volunteers provide.

A Community Centre Development Manager is essential to maintain existing activities, ensure future credibility and stability and develop plans and objectives including those already identified by the Association.

The Centre could become reasonably self-sustaining within two years with a further year required to ensure consolidation and implementation of a longer-term business plan.

In support of the application

Winnall Community Association provides key services and facilities to their local community. Many of the areas issues are being addressed by the Association following a community consultation. Our aim is to prevent and relieve poverty in the area by developing education and health projects and providing support to the whole community especially older people, people with disabilities, children and young people. While we as an organisation aim to attract hiring and service provision, the routine of the building and its location make this difficult.