Link Project Update

At the time of our last update we were waiting to hear from the National Lottery and as most readers will know they were unable to provide the level of funding we were requesting at this time. Whilst they thought we had a good project and supporting case they expect us to approach other sources of funding before approaching them and in particular the YOUR FUND SURREY (YFS).

YFS has £100 million of funds to spend across Surrey over a five year period on capital projects such as community buildings so are an obvious source of potential funding. Our conversations with them indicate we are eligible to apply and we have secured the essential support of John Robini our County Councillor. Awards made so far have been as high as £900,000.

We will also look at Waverley’s Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL), which is funded by housing developers when they apply for Planning Permission.

We may go back to the National Lottery asking for a smaller sum as they were very encouraging about our application and said we can apply again.

We need your support for the first step of the YFS application. We need as many people - you, your family, friends, neighbours as possible to register their support on the YFS website. This website will be live as you read this and we will provide more information in leaflet drops, posters, email and church notices throughout February.

More information can be found on the parish website www.haslemereparish.org/link including a short video with representatives of key users (Crossways Counselling, Citizens Advice Waverley and Hear Here) who explain why this project is so important to them. You can also find plans and other information as well as a place to comment.

When you are talking to people about the project (and please do!) you might find the following helpful:

We have also started the formal and lengthy process for Planning Permission. You may recall that our pre-planning guidance from Waverley was encouraging.

So the team is busy moving the project forward - please keep us and the project in your prayers and don’t hesitate to ask us any questions or indeed how you can help us transform the Link.

Andrew, Cathy, Debbie, Gareth and Stephen