No money for town projects (From Gazette Series)

No money for town projects

WOTTON-under-Edge residents were told this week there is no money for town improvements.

David Hagg, chief executive for Stroud District Council, said: "There are no new capital projects this year and this includes bids from Wotton."

The announcement came at a special public forum held on Monday by Wotton Town Council where Mr Hagg was guest speaker.

Wotton Mayor Cllr Elizabeth Warren said the town council had been promised funding for the town's swimming pool and demanded to know where the money had gone.

She said: "An officer from the district council came out to us and was very enthusiastic about getting the swimming pool in the budget but funding has been woefully lacking."

The pool has seen some modifications but Cllr Warren said more was needed for the community facility.

She said: "We have already put in place a retractable roof but there are further developments needed to improve disabled access and the changing rooms need refurbishment."

Mr Hagg, however, said no officer from Stroud District Council should ever have promised the town council money.

Cllr Paul Smith said Wotton Sports Foundation had received very little financial support from the district council.

He said: "The sport facilities when they are built are going to be impressive but we have received a relatively small level of capital investment. The town council has in fact put in more."

Mr Hagg accepted the town council's views but said there was little he could do.

He said: "There have been lots of bids by lots of different people in different parts of the district.

"If and when there is resource in the capital budget then Wotton will have made its argument well known for funding."

However, Mr Hagg did promise Wotton town councillors that their parish plan would get priority attention from the district council.

At the meeting on Monday Cllr Warren said since producing the forward plan detailing projects to improve the area the council had received no formal response from the district council.

She said: "We spend time identifying areas that need improving and then nothing happens."

Mr Hagg promised a full report by the end of this month.

He said: "It is something we need to get moving."