THE Bude Community Network Panel recently came to the conclusion that their local devolution fund will be put forward for future consideration, writes Rosie Cripps.

At the recent Bude Community Network Panel meeting on Monday, July 11, Chris Sims, community link officer for Bude, hosted a session about Bude-Stratton’s local devolution fund and how the money should be used.

Cornwall Council has allocated a sum of £608,000 that has been split between Community Network Panels to support devolution projects, and Bude-Stratton has been provided with £19,772.

At the meeting in Bude, a recommendation on each proposal was made to the panel, and it was up to them to make the decision of what the devolution fund should be used for, considering the scheme’s two priorities: supporting local assets and supporting partnership working.

Kilkhampton, Marhamchurch, Morwenstow, North Tamerton, Week St Mary and Launcells Parish Councils all applied for community broadband in their church halls, village halls and other community spaces. Bude-Stratton Town Council’s ongoing application for the renovation of the town’s public toilets was also on the agenda.

Many of the parishes’ reasons for applying for broadband in their communities was similar – to be able to benefit groups and organisations during meetings, as well as opening up more opportunities for locals and bringing other groups into their community spaces.

Launcells Parish Council has also been looking into installing a defibrillator in the village, which the councillors agreed would support partnership working, whilst also looking positively into health.

The application to improve the toilets at Summerleaze Beach, Bude Crescent, the Post Office and Crooklets Beach in Bude were discussed with great interest, as usual.

However, a decision has still not been reached, and the negotiations with the Environment Service are still ongoing.

It would cost a total of £13,178 to cover the legal fees, surveyors’ costs and refurbishments, as well as the provision of suitable tools and equipment for staff working on the project.

Those at the meeting also agreed that this application would be eligible as it supports the aims of the devolution, and the costs would be covered by ongoing funding.

Bude-Stratton Town Councillor Julia Bryson said: “It will happen if we can clarify certain issues, but we’re still keen to keep the toilets open.”

The network panel members came to an agreement that the fund would stay closed for future consideration.

Cllr Bryson added: “We need more detail to highlight where the funding is needed.”

The applications for help towards broadband will also be considered further.