New blue plaques for Whitehaven were among the projects supported by the Whitehaven and Coastal Community Panel recently.
The panel, made up of Cumberland ward councillors, approved the investments at a meeting on 12 December.
With guidance from residents and a network of local partners, community panels direct funds and investment where it is needed most.
At the meeting it was agreed to fund the following projects:
- £3,300 to Whitehaven Heritage Action Group towards some new blue plaques on buildings in Whitehaven, and the refurbishment of some existing plaques.
- £5,000 to Keekle Community Park towards a piece of inclusive play equipment.
- £9,874 to the Friends of Pica towards a piece of inclusive equipment for the village’s play park, which is being re-established through the group.
- £2,800 to Whitehaven Sea Cadets towards a new boiler for their headquarters.
The Chair of Whitehaven and Coastal Community Panel, Cllr Graham Minshaw, said: “These are all excellent projects which will each go towards making life better for people in our area. I’m delighted we have been able to fund them, and I look forward to seeing each play their part in our communities.”
Cllr Lisa Brown, Cumberland Council’s Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Adults and Community Health, said: “Seeing how responsive Community Panels are to their residents’ needs is very gratifying. We hoped this would be how they would work – giving hyper local support to bespoke community projects – and they do.”
The Whitehaven and Coastal Community Panel covers the wards of Bransty, Egremont North, Hillcrest and Hensingham, Howgate, Kells and Sandwith, and Mirehouse.
The application deadline for the next round of Community Panel support for Whitehaven and Coastal is 10 February. Find out more here: Whitehaven and Coastal | Cumberland Council or email the panel at whitehavencoastalcp@cumberland.gov.uk.