
East Suffolk councillors are supporting an ambitious local group with grants from their Enabling Communities Budget.
Organisers at Gunton Estate Community Hall, in north Lowestoft, have big plans to make their venue the hub of the area.
The energetic team, led by Kerri Edmondson, are determined to provide the community with a long list of accessible projects that includes social events, space for youth groups with a homework club, indoor sports activities, a wi-fi zone, community coffeeshop and warm space.
When the team needed some basic kitchen equipment to ensure the volunteers could provide warm drinks and affordable food, they sought financial support from local Gunton and St Margaret’s councillors, George King and Graham Parker.
Cllr King said:
“This is such a worthy project to support with some funding from our East Suffolk Enabling Communities Budget. The team at the community hall had all the enthusiasm any person would be impressed by, so when Kerri requested £1,000 for a new cooker and fridge, we were more than happy to provide that.”
Cllr Parker added:
“This project is a prime example of what East Suffolk’s Enabling Communities Budget is designed to support. The community hall provides a welcoming place where people can come together; it offers activities for young and old during the day and into the evening – and there’s even a community garden!”
The team at Gunton Community Hall are ambitious to make the venue a friendly destination for local people for social events and support.
Kerri Edmondson said:
“We’re acutely aware of the benefits for local residents in having a community centre at the heart of this ward and we’re keen to provide lots of activities, as well as providing access to the internet for those without, and bring in other agencies to provide trusted advice and support.
“Having an up-to-date kitchen is all part of our big plans and we’re really pleased to have secured key items for this from Cllrs King and Parker.”
Previous projects which have benefitted from Enabling Communities Budget funding include play areas, village hall refurbishments and equipment, community events, projects to cut carbon emissions and the purchase of defibrillators.
Community groups wishing to apply for the funding should contact their district councillor or visit the Enabling Communities Budget page of the East Suffolk Council website.