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Monday, 26 July 2004 |
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A derelict site, a former public toilet, was an eyesore in the village of Kirn. EnviroKirn Action Group decided to landscape this area and turn it into an active play area.
Overview
PROJECT SUMMARY
In order to give low maintenance and increased sustainability it was decided to use hard landscaping and produce a maze to make it aesthetically pleasing as well as usable by the public. The maze is surrounded by seating so that adults can supervise children. The total area is 7 meters by 22 meters and walled on all sides. There is an access ramp and the maze is built on one plane to allow access to disabled people. The maze pathways are set level in the ground using brick set in concrete. The project was completed in August 2002.
KEY PARTNERS
The Council leased the land to the community group for 21 years on a peppercorn rent. This was to enable the community group to access funding from the Lottery Commission. See funders below.
The CVS helped with the development of the constitution, and the group feel that having contact with a local councillor assisted in providing necessary contact with local authorities Legal and Environmental Services departments.
FUNDERS
Total cost of the project was £12,861. Forward Scotland provided 4%.
Sources and amounts of project funding and sources and values of in kind contributions
Forward Scotland small project grants 500
Lottery Commission Community Fund 8,361
Argyll & Bute Council 1,500
Argyll & The Islands Enterprise 1,500
Argyll Trust 300
Co-operative Society 500
Wakeham Trust 100
EnviroKirn Action Group 104
The builder that carried out the work gave discounts and the company that provided the signs did so at cost price. The Council paid 50% for fencing.
THEMATIC CRITERIA
Argyll & Bute; Open Spaces; Local Amenities; Sustainable Communities
Plan
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
To improve the appearance of the village and to increase the quality of life of residents through the provision of a public amenity.
OUTPUTS
The community maze has been completed and is now a public amenity.
The Maze has increased the attractiveness of the area. There has been a lot of interest from residents. As the village is more attractive it is encouraging inward investment. Five years ago the village was looking rather run down, with number of empty shops increasing. Presently the village is projecting a much higher standard appearance, and has only 2 shops lying vacant. Community spirit and pride in the community has improved markedly. These efforts have been rewarded this year in that Kirn has been selected as a finalist in the Large Village category of the Scotland in Bloom competition.
The results will be known on 17th September 2003, with community effort being one of the main judging points.
FUTURE STEPS
The neighbouring town is now starting to copy what the village has achieved.
Future plans include setting up a recycling project, placing planters around the village, enhancing the Christmas lights display, and attracting more boats by the installation of pontoons.
EnviroKirn Action Group was set up in 1999 to consult the community on environmental concerns and convey these to the local authority and to enhance community spirit. The group has 10 committee members, is constituted and had previously been successful in running about 9 projects including the construction of troughed gardens on the promenade in conjunction with the four local primary schools. About 60 residents and business people attend annual general meetings. This project was very much community led. Kirn is a Social Improvement Plan area. The idea of a maze came from a local artist however the group decided to design maze themselves, and member Brian Chennell was tasked with this duty.
EnviroKirn sent the work to tender. Only one builder replied.
Builders carried out the construction work and resident volunteers aided by local professional decorating company did the painting.
The Group raised the funds and designed the layout of the maze. A local architect provided technical assistance.
Schools are now being encouraged to take an interest in the appearance of the environment.
Progress
Review
ACHIEVEMENTS
The construction of a maze on previously derelict land, providing a children's play area which is secure and easily maintained.
PROCESS
A benefactor had to be found, as Argyll & Bute Council and Argyll & the Islands Enterprise grants could only be paid on completion and receipt of paid invoices provided. EnviroKirn's bank, although in receipt of letters of confirmation from both Argyll & Bute Council and Argyll & the Islands Enterprise Agency, refused overdraft facilities due to bank head office policy. This policy was set because banks had been let down on promised financing by enterprise companies elsewhere.
The benefactor provided an interest free loan to EnviroKirn in order that invoices could be paid. This money was returned when all grants monies were received by EnviroKirn.
The project was also delayed as the Lottery Commission would not release funds until those running the project had a 21 year lease on the land.
Although Brian Chennell is also a local councillor, and is therefore required to declare an interest when any of the group's matters comes to the local council meetings, it was felt that this was outweighed by the assistance, knowledge, and contact details he could provide at other times.
LESSONS
The funding that has been available has been essential to the development of EnviroKirn's activity.
The whole of the group are very active. 7 members do most of the physical activity. Motivated to "stop the rot" in the village. Their success has motivated the group.
It is important to word funding applications carefully. Seek advice if you have not done this before. Community groups need help in directing them to relevant funding sources. Remember that match funding does not necessarily have to be in actual cash, many funders are willing to accept "in kind" contributions. Even items such as groups typing time, physical input, discounts provided, all have monetary value and can be considered in-kind contributions to total project/funding requirements.
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