MAYOR SAYS 'NO' TO FUNDING FOR ACORN CENTRE

2.27.28pm GMT Mon 8th Dec 2008

Extra funding for the Acorn Centre was turned down by the Mayor and his Conservative administration at the last Full Council meeting.

Liberal Democrat Councillors tabled an amendment at the meeting calling for £300,000 out of a surplus in the Council's reserves of more than £1,450,000 to be given to the Acorn Centre for match funding for redevelopment. If this had been agreed to then the Mayor's controversial proposed sell-off of part of Barton Downs could have been cancelled.

Despite a vigorous campaign by local residents against the Mayor's plans for selling part of Barton Downs, the Mayor and his Conservative colleagues voted against the Liberal Democrat amendment and opted to keep the surplus money in a 'financial reserve'.

The Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group on Torbay Council and local Ward Councillor, Cllr Steve Darling said, "It is very disappointing that the Conservative administration have opted to squirrel this money away, rather than deciding to develop the Acorn Centre which is dear to the hearts of local people.

"Residents of Barton have made it clear that they are against the council selling off the only green area near where they live. The Liberal Democrat amendment would have provided the money that the Acorn centre needs to get match funding from other funding sources, such as the lottery, for redevelopment, without having to sell off a much valued green space."

Councillor Darling went on to say, "The Council have previously agreed to give money from asset sales to Brixham Swimming pool, and yet refuse to help a similar community facility in Torquay."