SOUTH SOMERSET NEWS: Council cash up for grabs in Ilminster

ILMINSTER groups and organisations could win a slice of £5,000 which is being given away by the town’s county councillor.

Cllr Linda Vijeh, who represents Ilminster at Somerset County Council, is once again looking to support groups by giving cash for health and wellbeing projects.

“One of the joys of being a county councillor is that when tight budgets allow we are allocated £5,000 to spend within our divisions on promoting health and wellbeing,” said Cllr Vijeh.

“This certainly makes sense, as the more we can do to help and support people to live longer, healthier lives the better it is for all of us.

“As we age we are all going to have to face the tough financial burden of medical and social care, and I know that having reached the ripe old age of 60 I am now beginning to feel the aches and twinges in my bones, and can't quite run around like I used to.”

For the past two years Cllr Vijeh has tried to be creative in how she spends her £5,000 allocation.

PHOTO - TOP: Cllr Linda Vijeh, centre, presents money to Greenfylde First School’s Claire Oaten and Vernon Higgins during a previous cash handout year.

PHOTO - RIGHT: Cllr Linda Vijeh.

The first year she gave £1,000 to each of the five schools in the Ilminster division, which was well used for all kinds of projects, including the ForestSchool at GreenfyldeFirstSchool.

During the past year she has used money to fund Red Cross training for a number of community groups across the division, and despite the difficulties of setting up the sessions those who attended felt it was really worthwhile.

This year there is to be a slightly different focus in aiming to support locally-led activity, through voluntary or community groups that encourage people to connect together, particularly those who find it hard to integrate into their local community.

Cllr Vijeh said: “I know that there are lots of local groups who will really be able to benefit from this boost their funds.

“It is expected that those applying for a grant will submit applications for a minimum of £250. I would urge those interested to applying to do so at the earliest opportunity, preferably before the end of the year.

“I am happy to assist in completing the documentation and interested organisations should contact me in the first instance at lindavijeh@hotmail.com or on 0797 178 5069.”

But Cllr Vijeh added: “What is shocking though is to find out just how many councillors do not spend their allocation each year.”

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