This report presents an application for funding under the Council’s Community Funding Programme.
An application for Community Funding has been received from Locks Heath Colts Cricket Club for the sum of £2,244.99 to purchase an additional mobile cricket practice tunnel with net.
The Colts is a popular local sporting Club, which aims to ‘To foster and promote the sport of cricket at all levels within the community and within the sport, providing opportunities for recreation, coaching and competition.’ The Club meets at Locks Heath Recreation Ground and is a member organisation of the Locks Heath Sports and Social Club which leases the Recreation Ground from the Council. Despite its link to the Sports and Social Club, the Locks Heath Colts Cricket Club has its own separate constitution and accounts.
The Colts has 160 members, aged between 5 and 18 years of age and currently has only 2 practice tunnels. They would like to purchase an additional netted tunnel to provide their members with sufficient opportunities to practice their bowling and batting skills. In addition, as the practice tunnels remain accessible to all on the Recreation Ground when not in use by the Club, the opportunities for local children and adults who are not members of the Club will also be increased.
The practice tunnel that the Club is seeking funding for is padded, rust-resistant and can be easily stored in winter when not in use. It would not require planning permission as it is a movable structure.
Streetscene, who oversee the management of Locks Heath Recreation Ground, have provided their consent for the Club to locate the practice tunnel on the Recreation Ground.
The cost of the practice tunnel is £2,244.99, including fitting.
As of the close of 2020, the Club listed £2,067.71 in its accounts, with expenditure for the previous year of £10,405.58 and income of £7,519.97. However, it is important to note that income from membership and events for that year was significantly reduced as a result of the restrictions imposed due to Covid-19.
Titchfield Common Ward Councillor, Sarah Pankhurst, has confirmed her support of this application. No views have been received from Ward Councillor Englefield.
Decision type: Non-key - Low
Decision status: Recommendations Approved