Dear all,

Many of you will already be aware that the suspension footbridge over the Trent has been closed for some months now. The owners, Severn Trent Water, have been slow to even inspect the bridge to ascertain the work that needs to be carried out before it is reopened. Indeed for a time there was little assurance that it would be re-opened at all.

First of all we would like to thank everyone who voted for us in the local elections in May. We are so happy to be representing all the people in the best ward in Rushcliffe. We have already been working on many issues raised by you: do contact us if you have any local concerns or need help accessing local services.

There are so many issues that are of concern to people in Lady Bay, many of these appear in this newsletter and will be discussed at the Lady Bay Community Association public meeting in May. We hope to see you there.

Community Support Scheme (CSS)

The CSS enables each Councillor to put forward proposals for expenditure on new initiatives in his/her Ward. There will be a budget of £500 per year for each Councillor to spend. The scheme aims to provide assistance towards projects, generally one-off items of expenditure, where a tangible outcome can be demonstrated (youth initiatives, small improvements to community facilities, etc)

So WE HAVE £1,000 TO SPEND ON YOU!   WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE?

Community Fund

This is intended for larger community based schemes that have local elected member support. Rushcliffe Borough Council will give out this money on a first come first served basis. Initially initiatives requiring funding up to £5,000 will be considered. This can be in conjunction with the Community Support Scheme. Projects will be required to show tangible outcomes and should fit in with Rushcliffe Borough Council's corporate priorities; therefore youth initiatives, community safety and small facility improvements are expected to benefit from the fund. The community partner organisations will be expected to match any council funding in cash terms. All projects will have to demonstrate how they intend to remain sustainable.

Councillor Sue Blount and Councillor Richard Mallender 135 Trent Boulevard, West Bridgford, Nottingham, NG2 5BN

Tel: 0115 9140529 (Home) 0115915 7578 (Sue-work) 07788 736468 (Sue - mobile)  07976 775619 (Richard - mobile)