Issue details

The report presents an application for funding under the Council's Community Funding Programme.

David Weyman, a local resident, has requested funding of £1,500 for the purchase of outdoor LED Christmas lights to be used to decorate trees in West Street, Portchester.

The lights will be used to decorate the five established trees in the precinct at Christmas time to “encourage a feel-good factor and bring pleasure to the residents of Portchester”.  The funding application relates only to the purchase of these lights and not their installation or any ongoing costs.  The funding would not go to Mr Weyman but would be paid directly to the suppliers of the lights on his behalf. The lights would be stored at a shop unit in the precinct, Petfayre, 6 West Street when not in use. 

The total cost of the project is approximately £3,000, including the electrical installation of the lights and the cost of purchasing a Christmas tree for this year.  This application seeks funding for the purchase of the lights only; the rest of the money will be raised by the Portchester Traders Association and Portchester Community Association.

Ward Councillors R. Price & G. Fazackarley have written in full support of this funding application. 

Comments have also been received from Councillors N. Walker & S. Bell in relation to the need to ensure that Hampshire County Council, the owners of the precinct land and the trees, have agreed to the lights being installed.  (Hampshire County Council Highways have since given consent for the lights).  Once the lights are in place all electrical checks and certification would need to be made available to the highway authority under the terms of this licence.