£15k allocated to look at improving Cheddar Gorge road for walking and cycling, and therefore deter antisocial driving
By Tim Lethaby
23rd Feb 2021 | Local News
Sedgemoor District Council has allocated £15,000 in its latest budget, to look at ways of improving the road through Cheddar Gorge for walkers and cyclists, and therefore deter antisocial driving.
The funds will be used for a study into "active travel" to help the council look for long-term solutions to the antisocial issues in Cheddar Gorge, which the council says is essential to recovery and building back better.
Despite dealing with the Covid pandemic, with an estimated £4 million financial impact in the current year on Sedgemoor's finances, coupled with the fact that nearly all staff have been working from home for 11 months of the year, Sedgemoor District Council says it has set a balanced budget with no cuts to public services for the coming financial year.
The emphasis over the past year has been on supporting residents and businesses throughout the coronavirus crisis while delivering frontline services and taking opportunities to kick-start economic recovery.
Additionally, there is a firm commitment to press ahead with plans to invest £1 million of growth into the local economy as well as spending in priority services – all set in the context of a future stable five-year financial position.
Other measures announced in the budget were:
- An additional £180,000 grant to Citizens Advice, to help them continue their vital work in supporting residents.
- £250,000 for the approved the Climate Emergency Strategy and its Action Plan, setting a pathway for the council to meet its declared target of becoming carbon neutral by 2030. A number of projects are being developed such as electric bike fleet, extra pool car, extra charging points, a tree officer, water refill units and public electric vehicle charging.
- Further support for graduate and apprenticeship schemes of £400,000. Over the past five years, Sedgemoor has helped 36 apprentices and five graduates to start their careers. This money will help a further 12 apprentices.
- Additional monies of £84,000 investing in the council's IT infrastructure to help home working for staff.
- £30,000 a year towards Spark – the infrastructure organisation for the voluntary community and social enterprise sector. Spark has played a pivotal role in the Covid crisis, supporting local community groups to support the community, they created Covid helpers, supporting volunteering, and been a source of information and guidance to the volunteer organisations.
- A specialist economic development officer to help business recovery across the district.
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