On 14 February, Newport and Carisbrooke Community Council set its budget for the coming year, with a 2.5% increase in the amount raised from council tax payers.

Among the items agreed is £10,000 towards play equipment for Parkhurst & Hunnyhill ward. I’m delighted with this, having made the case for this at the January meeting of the council.

Of course, this money won’t go far but it’s a great start. I’ll be working with residents and others to bid for funding from other organisations.

The most likely location for the equipment will be at the bottom end of Hookes Way to start replacing the equipment that had to be removed. As the land is owned by Sovereign Housing Association, I’ve been in discussion with them for some time about using the land again for a play area.

In his report to the community council our finance lead councillor, Geoff Brodie, reported on the range of initiatives that we are doing for our local community, which also included:

• Funding for a specific, Planning Enforcement service purely within our parish area managed by Isle of Wight Council
• Support for a ‘Shaping Newport’ 12-month, free parking trial
• In the ‘Year of the Child’, support for a Valentine Gray commemoration project
• Support for the planned celebrations for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee
• Funding for external refurbishment of Victoria Rec Pavilion, with further plans to increase it’s opening hours
• Further funding for the refurbishment of our new property at 64 High Street
• Continuing support for Newport Youth Café and other youth activities
• Donations to community charities, local events, local countryside maintenance, and the IW Foodbank
• Providing public conveniences in 4 locations
• Additional litter and dog-waste bins in response to public demand
• Grounds maintenance of 4 recreation grounds
• Funding of school crossing patrols
• Allotments throughout the parish