Football youngsters score at town hall

Accompanied by Youth Development Service officers, they were greeted at the Town Hall steps by Rother leader Cllr Graham Gubby and Cllr Deirdre Williams and their spokesman Karim Benayad was invited to set out their case to the cabinet.

They heard members debate their application and, via Karim Benayad, were able to thank the cabinet when it approved putting 2,200 towards 4,400 cost.

Director of services Tony Leonard had recommended the meeting to resolve to give the grant for Levetts Field at the rear of Watermill Lane and Preston Road subject to match-funding being secured.

His action followed a 150-signature petition organised by the youngsters.

Karim told the meeting the council-owned field is currently used informally by young people.

"We play football in the road but cars come along all the time.

"We would like to get goals up on the play area because at present that field is going to waste..."

Karim said their scheme was supported by the police, who made regular visits to the area because of the play in the streets.

Welcoming the group to the public gallery, Cllr Gubby had congratulated the youngsters on their initiative in gathering the petition and presenting their case to Rother.

Mr Leonard had reported: "Consultation has been led by outreach workers of the Youth Development Service. Local Councillors and the Rother District Council Sports Development Officer have also been involved and supportive in principle of improved leisure facilities for young people in this area.

"The facility would serve a large residential area and serve more than the 150 who signed the petition.

"The council has been proactive in improving provisions in parks and open spaces in recent years including successfully obtaining several outdoor basketball goals through a joint English Basketball / Lottery Scheme."

Outdoor five-a-side goals have been put in key outdoor spaces in Rye and Bexhill. An example of the newly-designed vandal-resistant goal has been placed in Egerton Park.

Artificial grass tiles need to be laid in front of the goals to prevent wear and reduce maintenance costs.

"Sidley Traders Association have offered funding, as yet unconfirmed, and approaches have been made to other potential funding partners.

"The request is for Rother District Council to fund the additional costs of the goal over the partnership funding yet to be raised.

"It has been cabinet practice with such applications to be grant aided to a maximum of 50%, but the preferred type of goals provided by Rother District Council in this instance is more expensive then can be reasonably funded by local youths.

"It is therefore proposed that a grant of up to 50% (2,200) be approved for this facility."

Mr Leonard said the current budget stands at 15,000 and could meet the cost of the proposal.

In a risk assessment statement, the director said that the application posed no risk to Rother but the scheme would fail without its help.

Cllr Deirdre Williams said that, through Cllr Stuart Earl, Sidley Traders' Association had offered 300 in match-funding.

Head of amenities Alwyn Roebuck told Cllr Gubby the scheme fell within the criteria for a county council community fund grant.

Cllr Earl said: "I know it had been noted about the initiative shown but I really think this should be given some publicity that they have taken the initiative to get facilities for themselves and to share with others.

"We should be very proud of them."

Cllr Gubby told the group: "I would certainly encourage you to put in a bid to the county community fund and to the police."

Karim Benayad told the cabinet: "Thank you for your time. We appreciate it."