Councillor issues community funding rally call

Councillor issues community funding rally call

A campaigning councillor is urging community groups and good causes in need of funding to get in touch so he can help them access the cash they need.

Cllr David Barton, who represents Dukes Ward on Sefton Council, said almost £6,000 was left in the authority’s district funding pot for the ward and could help a number of schemes this year.

He said: “As a long-standing volunteer myself, having previously served a year on Friends of Kings Gardens and three years with Lord Street In Bloom Volunteers, previously Friends of Lord Street Gardens, I can vouch for the sheer level of resources required in order to keep our prominent classic parks and green spaces in pristine order for the local community.”

Cllr Barton said he had written to his previous community groups, all located within the district: Lord Street in Bloom; Friends of Kings Gardens and Friends of Rotten Row as well as the local district churches, some of which have previously called for financial support for restoration work from the local community, such as: St. George’s United Reformed on Lord Street and Arnside Road Synagogue.

He said: “It is my hope that by taking a proactive step forward towards supporting all these noble causes, this may attract further inward investment from philanthropists and local members of the community who may even wish to complete a sponsored act of charity for all of these special pieces of our society.

“Whether it be supporting the long-term restoration of a grand building dating back to Southport’s early days or supporting fellow neighbours and friends with improving the streetscape, there are many ways in which this can be achieved, but I am hopeful that this may provide a launchpad for greater things to come.”

Once received, funding applications require the approval of the other Dukes Ward councillors.

Cllr Barton said he had already received an application from Lord Street in Bloom for £250 for bedding plants in order to complete the 82 urns on Lord Street.

He said: “I am hopeful this will be duly approved by other councillors and I am presently awaiting to hear back from the other community groups and churches in due course.

“It should also be kept in mind that whilst the gardening volunteering groups create a presentable and aesthetically appealing environment for both incumbent and prospective investors, the church restorative donations will ultimately safeguard these very same properties that provide refuge and solace in many instances to the less advantaged in society, which can only be supported as much as possible.”