Vote, vote, vote - local schemes bid for funding

Six neighbourhood projects have already emerged as the people's choice in the first three months of the council's online Local Budget voting scheme - and now the voting is open again with 26 projects looking for the public backing that could earn them up to £2,000 of well-deserved cash.

It's time for residents to cast their votes at www.rbwm.gov.uk/web/consultation_participatory_budgeting_voting.htm, pledging support for schemes that are - or will - make a difference in their streets, neighbourhoods or local areas.

Cllr David Burbage, Council Leader, said: "With 26 excellent local projects currently on the list we want to remind residents it is their votes that decide which organisations will receive funding - that's why they really do need to get online and back the one they want to see benefitting from welcome extra cash. It's really easy to vote and the closing date in this round is Tuesday 6 December.

"The council set aside £50,000 for this element of the 2011/12 participatory budget scheme and so far we have awarded a total of £12,000 so there is still plenty of opportunity for even more organisations to bid for funding. The closing date for submitting bids for the next round is Wednesday 30 November.

"To the organisations currently hoping for funding, the message is: encourage your friends, members and fans to get online and vote for you."

After the closing date the voting results are reported to the Cabinet Participatory Budget Sub Committee and the winner/s declared. Then all votes are zeroed out for the next round of voting.

The neighbourhood local budget scheme is open to parish councils, community groups, charities and individual residents who can bid for up to £2,000 of funding to boost action and good ideas in streets and communities. Then local people vote online each month for their favourites.

The vote catchers to date have been:
• Outdoor play equipment for child victims of domestic abuse who live in local safe houses
• Windsor Parish Church of St John the Baptist tower repairs and restoration
• Art on the Street - Maidenhead art market
• Repairs to Pinkneys Green Scout headquarters
• A new classroom for Windsor Horse Rangers
• Woodlands Park Village Children's Centre herb and vegetable garden.

Find out more about the current projects and how to vote at www.rbwm.gov.uk. Click on Your Local Budget. Closing date for the current round of voting is Tuesday 6 December.

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