The Sompting Big Local Partnership are delighted to be able to share that our new one-year plan has been approved by Local Trust the funding body for the Big Local Project.
The funding awarded totals £305,554. This funding includes £50,000 towards the new play area on Sompting Recreation Ground, which is being matched funded by Adur District Council.
There are also plans, working with Sompting Parish Council, to replace the old toilet block on Sompting Recreation Ground, with a new modern block. Research carried out by the partnership found that 1 in 5 people do not venture out due to the lack of knowledge regarding public toilets and they also discovered that vandalism is the number one cause of public toilets being closed, therefore when replacing we will work hard to find vandal-proof toilets.
The Sompting Big Local Partnership will look at options for the BMX mound at Hamble Recreation ground. Many young people have spoken of the need for something to do, with the current mound discussed as being unsuitable. We will be holding consultation events early next year to seek the views of residents.
We have allocated £12,500 towards events in Sompting. We have set aside a budget to create ‘street party’ boxes for the Queens Platinum Jubilee. A limited number of boxes will be available and will include guidance on how to organise a street party.
As with previous years, we have set aside £10,000 towards our Action Fund. Providing funding for new clubs and activities and helping those already running. The Action Fund has been running since 2013 and has helped set up clubs such as the new Sompting Singalong, funded improvements to facilities such as a new kitchen at Sompting Village Hall and supported existing clubs such as Sompting Football Club.
Over the coming year, the Sompting Big Local partnership will be engaging with residents in preparation for their final plan to start in October 2022. There are still opportunities to become partnership members to help steer the final years of the project. The partnership is keen to speak to anyone with the passion, enthusiasm and ideas to help young people in Sompting.
The Big Local project is funded by the National Lottery Community Fund and managed by the Local Trust. 150 communities were funded with at least £1m to spend over 10-15 years to make a positive impact and create lasting change in their areas. The project is due to end in early 2025.