Archived decisions
Updates on Targeted Rural Partnership Projects
Appendix 1
Rural broadband
A pilot led by the e-Hampshire partnership is exploring how the HPSN2 fibre-optic network to schools can be used by communities in rural areas which currently have no broadband access. A community was identified for the pilot at Little London near Andover. Working with the community, Test Valley BC, and a private sector provider, this programme is testing the viability of this approach for other parts of Hampshire. If this project succeeds in creating a successful business model, as is anticipated, it is hoped that the private sector would be able to deliver similar schemes in future. Grant provided £30,000; total project value £80,000.
Educational attainment
Children's Services are undertaking a project to provide support for rural schools to develop emotional literacy and support vulnerable children. This is currently difficult due to the small size of many rural schools and the distance to training. Once trained, the Emotional Literacy Support Assistants are working with vulnerable children: evidence shows they have a proven positive impact on children's well-being, and therefore their ability to succeed in school. The project is linked to the East Hampshire Education Improvement Partnership. This project is addressing several Children's Services and LAA priorities. If successful, it is anticipated that the project will be mainstreamed through the Partnership. Grant provided £6,000; total project value £12,000. (See feedback in Appendix 1)
Gifted and talented children
Children's Services are leading a project to improve provision for gifted and talented children by enabling them to work together to meet outcomes for more able children. They are working with the East Hampshire Education Improvement Partnership. This project is addressing several Departmental priorities. If successful, it is anticipated that the project will be mainstreamed through the Education Improvement Partnership. Grant provided £3,000; total project value £4,000. (See feedback in Appendix 1)
Access to services
A project led by Adult Services, but in conjunction with Children's Services, Chief Executives and CCRA will use `down-time' in the new mobile Children's Centres to increase access to a range of council services in very rural parts of Hampshire. These include health and wellbeing services, such as chiropody, library services, trading standards advice, benefits advice, and inter-generational activities. It is intended that these will complement Personalisation and the emerging Customer Access Strategy. If successful, it is anticipated that this project would be mainstreamed. Grant provided £40,000; total project value £90,000.
Supporting the local economy
A project to pump-prime a private sector local food distribution service for village shops is led by the Economic Development Office, with Hampshire Fare. In time it is hoped to expand this to local pubs, restaurants and bed & breakfasts. Match funding is being sought from the Loddon and Eversley LEADER programme. If successful, it is anticipated that the project will generate sufficient sales and profit to ensure the distribution service is financially viable and sustainable, without subsidy. Grant provided £40,000; total project value £120,000.
Sustainable Communities
The existing Community Buildings Fund has been supported with an additional £25,000. The fund helps support rural community facilities. Hampshire County Council funding covers only a maximum of one third of costs, ensuring that public money levers in 2x its investments. Some of this resource was used to provide partial match funding for the Wallops Village Hall to release £300,000 Big Lottery grant funding. Grant provided £25,000; total project value £350,000.
COMMUNITY CHALLENGE FUND (£10,000)
The following community-led projects have been funded (See feedback in Appendix 1):
· East Woodhay village market - £1,000 to set up a village market. Opening attended by Sir George Young MP and the Executive Member for Rural Affairs. Project completed. (See feedback in Appendix 1)
· Kingsclere Parish Council - £1,000 to distribute a village services guide to all households and made available online. Project completed.
· New Forest Community Media - £1,000 offered for building a training studio, plus another £1000 from the CCRA Policy Fund. Project now subject to delay as applicant looking for new premises.
· Three Rivers Rail Partnership - £755 contribution towards the cost of providing a free bus for rail passengers on Sundays to Hampshire tourist attractions including Hilliers, Marwell, and Mottisfont. The bus is driven by volunteers. The initial requirement to make a nominal charge to users was dropped once it was identified that it would change the legislative basis of operating the service. Project completed.
· Alton Town Council - £650 for panels promoting the long distance footpaths that run through the town. (Offer subject to match funding being obtained.)
· Hampshire Country Learning - Requested £1,000 funding for countryside learning days. Pro rata payment of £750 agreed to cover the Hampshire schools involved.
· Opensight - £1,000 to enable people with disabilities to respond to Government consultations on issues relating to their care.
· Baughurst Parish Council - £1,000 for installing kissing gates on village footpaths to replace stiles, increasing access to countryside.