Newmarket Library - has started the process of refurbishing the children’s area. The aim is to have a bright and spacious area for the children to use. Improvements are also planned for the library entrance and stairway to put more modern, bright and energy-efficient lighting in all these areas.
Firebreak Courses – these five-day courses are run by the Suffolk fire and rescue service for youngsters who are referred by the Youth Offending Service or by special advisors in schools. The course offers a mixture of social support and basic physical fire service training. I have just sponsored two young people from Newmarket to attend one of these courses through my locality budget.
Locality Budget – This is a list of some of the things I have supported this last financial year with my budget.
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Newmarket in Bloom
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The Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal
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Little Buds Pre-School
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Xchange Newmarket community church centre
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NOMADS
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Studlands Park (play equipment)
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Footway in Moulton
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Red Lodge Church
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Herringswell village of the year project
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St Felix School, visit to Endeavour House to hold School Council meeting.
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Newmarket Community Resource Unit
School Organisation Review – As I am sure you are all aware the County Council voted on the 22nd March to move to stage two of the Education Review with a preferred option of an all two-tier system of education in Suffolk. It is important for us all to remember this is not just about education in the three-tier areas but about raising the standard of education throughout the whole of Suffolk. It is our intention now to proceed carefully with the next stage of this review, a detailed implementation plan for stage two of the review will be taken to SCC Cabinet meeting on 10th May 2007. One of our immediate priorities will be to develop a staff support programme in all areas with three-tier schools, to ensure schools can continue to take forward improvement plans and start preparations for change. I will be able to give the Council further updates during the coming months.
Youth opportunity/youth capital funds – There has been a poor response so far from the young people of Forest Heath for this funding. There is approximately £32,000 allocated to our area for young people. Young people must apply and bid for the money and a panel of young people (with training and support) consider the bids put forward. If anyone is aware of a local group of young people that would benefit from some extra money please ask them to contact Nicola King at FHDC or myself for further details.
