A NEW health centre for Shipston is among 13 community projects in Stratford district to share a cash pot of almost £2.7million.
The cash comes from Stratford District Council’s Community Infrastructure Levy Fund and has been allocated to various projects geared at strengthening local communities.
This includes £1.4million for a long-awaited GP surgery and health facilities in Shipston. The surgery is needed following expansion of the local community and will be built on the site of the current Ellen Badger Hospital site.
Planning permission for a new £4.5million medical centre was granted in March last year and South Warwickshire NHS Foundation Trust was all set to appoint a contractor to carry out the work, but in July the Trust announced the project had stalled over funding.
The medical centre is part of plans for a £17million redevelopment of the Ellen Badger site – which would see the no longer fit-for-purpose hospital building demolished and a new hospital, GP surgery and health and well-being centre built in its place.
Other projects to benefit from funding include a a new community sports pavilion for Welford, receiving £357,000.
A total of £175,00 has been allocated for a replacement village hall in Wixford.
Natural Flood Management on the Alne and Arrow River Catchments, funding a series of natural interventions to help hold water back and combat flooding in the area will receive £30,300.
Alcester Road Cycle Route Enhancements received £282,000 to enhance existing cycling provision on a 2.3km stretch on the A422.
Grace’s Playground in Ilmington received £30,000 for renovation of equipment and safety surfacing.
Street lighting improvements and upgrade facilities at Napton-on-the Hill was allocated £8,370.
The Avon and Arrow Greenway Project will receive £310,369 to enhance 3.7km of walkway from Salford Priors to the river bridge in Wixford.
Community Garden at Glebe Road, Bishopton received £28,604 towards a new 320 square metre sports area and basketball court.
The Meon Vale Community Project Phase 2 received £15,000 to develop an existing pavilion building to increase capacity for community involvement.
A youth shelter and meeting area at Moreton Morrell Playing Field was awarded £4,500 to provide much-needed facilities for young people in the area to exercise and socialise.
The replacement of play equipment at Wootton Wawen Church of England Primary School received £8,268.
And £19,000 was allocated for structured sports in Lighthorne and Upper Lighthorne to includes sports field and parking capacity improvements.
A total of 35 projects were presented to SDC’s Cabinet to consider.
The Community Infrastructure Levy is a charge levied by local authorities on new developments in their area. It is an important tool for delivering additional infrastructure in local communities to mitigate the impact of development.
SDC place and economy spokesman Coun Daren Pemberton said: “CIL monies collected from developers enable us to support infrastructure projects brought forward by local communities. This balances the inevitable impact of development by delivering locally supported schemes that can have a hugely positive impact on the quality of life for many residents across the district.
“I look forward to seeing these projects come to fruition and quickly benefitting our communities. At the same time, I urge other communities to come forward with new projects for the next round of CIL fund allocation.”
