Agenda item

The application was for £4,430 to develop a drop-in community reading and library facility for the residents of Monk Fryston and Hillam.  The applicants were in attendance to present a summary of the application, and answer questions from the Partnership Board.

The applicants explained that the facility would be based within a room at Monk Fryston and Hillam Community Centre, with the books stored in three lockable storage cupboards.  At any one time some 400 – 500 books may be stored; some of which had been donated and others on loan from Selby Library.  The Board noted that the project would be run by volunteers, initially for two, three hourly sessions per week, on a Wednesday and Sunday from 10.00 am. Visitors would be charged for refreshments and would be able to access an information section about local services and events which would promote other activities and businesses in the area.

The Board were informed that to ensure the project became self-sufficient, income was intended to come from books which would be available to buy, the sale of refreshments, and children’s book bags which would be rented out for a small fee.  It was also the intention to offer speciality evenings, for example on cooking and criminology, and also a book club.  Once the project was up and running the income would be monitored monthly to ensure the project was sustainable.   

In response to a query regarding the catchment area for the facility, the applicants confirmed that people from the neighbouring villages would be welcome to use the facility.   

A query was raised regarding the local schools involvement and safeguarding, it was confirmed that the Headmaster of Monk Fryston school had been approached and was very supportive of the project, although the school did have a library it was purely for the use of the children.  There had also been interest in some of the older children having the opportunity to run, under supervision, a section of the facility which would encourage peer group integration.  The Board was assured that in terms of safeguarding two of the What the Dickens group had advanced Disclosure and Barring Service checks (DBS).

The Partnership Board thanked the applicants for presenting the application and asked them to leave the room while the Board reached their decision.

At this point in the meeting the funding applicants left the room for the consideration of the item.

The Board were supportive of the facility; however it was felt that only an initial amount was required to facilitate the start of the project.  It was therefore agreed that the funding should be paid in two parts, with £2,090 paid to cover the initial start-up costs and the first three months room hire; and for the remaining nine months room hire, a further £2,340 upon the successful establishment of the project, and satisfactory income reports.  It was further agreed that the applicants should come back to a Partnership Board meeting at the end of the three month period to present the income report and provide an update on progress.  The Board confirmed that the application met the aims and objectives of the Community Development Plan, and also confirmed that the application was in accordance with the Allocation of Funding Framework.

The Partnership Board agreed to fund £4,430 for the project, as set out above.

RESOLVED:

To approve funding to be awarded to What the Dickens, but for an initial payment of £2,090 with the remaining £2,340 payable upon production of a satisfactory income report.

The applicants returned to the meeting to be told the outcome of the application, they then left the meeting and did not return.