Plans for £1.4m community funding agreed

Successful applicants are set to be informed next week

Plans to distribute more than £1.4m in funding to six community projects across Lichfield district have been agreed.

The funding has been generated by the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) which collects financial contributions from developers building projects in the area.

The biggest beneficiary of the funding is Stoke and Staffordshire Integrated Care Board, which is set for more than £1.1m for a new primary health centre in Burntwood.

Other sums include £200,000 to help cover phase two of the Tamworth Road canal restoration and £45,000 for a multi-use games area in Alrewas.

The levy allows Lichfield District Council to spend the money on strategic  infrastructure such as safer road schemes, flood defences, schools, and social care facilities.

Other projects that have been approved include a community park in Elford, speed awareness signs in Drayton Bassett, and the introduction of yellow lines along Common Lane in Whittington.

During a cabinet meeting of the Conservative-led authority on 11 February, councillor Alex Farrell, Conservative, said some priorities for CIL were set last year.

"The priorities are broadly health care provision, transport infrastructure, environment and biodiversity and lower carbon initiative and the carbon investment fund," he stated.

However, questions were raised over why some projects which applied for funding were not included.

Councillor Richard Cox, Conservative, said: "I find it strange to work out why some are not included in terms of leisure and sporting activities. I find these groups really add absolute value to our communities.

"I think without them our communities are very much at a poorer state. So I am going to say I'm rather disappointed in that, although I understand the criteria."

Some of the projects to miss out on funding include the expansion of facilities at Chasetown Football Club; hockey pitch resurfacing at Lichfield Hockey Club, and roof replacement for a scouts group.

In response Farrell said: "This CIL process takes place each year and we can revise the priorities each year.

"This year has been fairly strong towards health, lots of money has gone towards this health centre in Burntwood. I'm hoping next year we can definitely evolve some of the sports clubs."