COMMUNITY SUPPORT AT HEART OF COUNCIL BUDGET

The parish council has put community activities and support for local groups and associations at the heart of its annual budget for 2012-13.

Stone Parish Council met on Wednesday 11 January to formally approve the annual budget, which sees continued commitment for Stone's Youth Outreach Project and maintenance of the council's annual grant scheme for worthy causes.

Parish residents will also be treated to a calendar of community activities including the annual Stone Fete; and a number of events, such as tea and cake mornings and quiz nights taking place at Stone Pavilion.

Chairman, Councillor John Burrell said,
"We believe the right thing to do in times of economic difficulty across the country is pledge support for groups and organisations making a difference to local people's lives and providing a support network to offer help and advice to those in need.

There are currently real difficulties in finding employment, particularly for the young. Through continued commitment to funding, Stone's Youth Outreach Project will work with parish youth to provide mentoring and support giving them a real advantage. We see this as a positive investment in the future generation of Stone.

Poor economic times can also understandably result in higher rates of anxiety and depression, whether as a result of redundancy or debt. Our activities and events for the forthcoming year aim to offer positive, enjoyable experiences for residents to counteract all the doom and gloom."

Residents will see a small increase in parish tax of 7p per week or £4.09 per year (rising from £57.95 to £61.41).