Council pledges more money for successful 'people's projects' 5.03.10

More council funding is being given to Sutton residents from April to spend on improving their local areas.

Over the last two years the borough's six local committees have spent £2m on new playgrounds, sports facilities as well as Christmas lights, planting schemes and safety measures.

All of the schemes were devised, discussed and voted on by local people, and funded by Sutton Council.

Due to the success of this public realm funding, the council has increased the allocation for 2010/11 from £500,000 to £750,000.

The money can be spent on improvements to public spaces like town and district centres, parks and playgrounds, to make them more attractive places to work, shop and live.

Major projects already completed across Sutton include:

• A new playground on Middleton Road Rec paid for with £54,840 from the St Helier, the Wrythe and Wandle Valley Local Committee,
• Over £65,000 from the Cheam North and Worcester Park Local Committee for a new playground in Fairlands Park.
• Over £61,000 for improvements in Cheam Park including resurfaced tennis courts, pathways and car parks,
• Carshalton and Clockhouse Local Committee has spent £40,000 on new play equipment in Warren Park and £26,000 refurbishing tennis courts in Stanley Park,
• £150,000 from the Sutton Local Committee has paid for a skate park and other works in Collingwood Recreation Ground,
• Over £180,000 has paid for planting schemes, playground refurbishments, and a wheels and ramp facility in Roundshaw Park.

Cllr Ruth Dombey, Deputy Leader of Sutton Council, said:

"Our six local committees have given residents the means and money to improve their neighbourhoods, upgrade their parks and provide more sports and play facilities for children and young people.

"They are an excellent example of the council, residents groups and local people working together to make the borough better.

"There has been a huge range of successful projects completed over the last two years that are having a big impact on people's lives.

"That is why we are adding an extra 50% to the public realm funding pot from April so that local people can deliver even more of the improvements they want to see.

"If there is something you want to change, improve or add to your local area, please go along to your local committee and get the ball rolling."

Find out the time and venue for your next local committee meeting at www.sutton.gov.uk

Last updated: Monday, 12 April 2010