A PROPOSED grant to Newtown Sports Club for essential maintenance equipment has angered some town council members who questioned whether the money was needed.
The Greenhill Drive based club is in need of £1,250 worth of funding for a line marker, mower and other works equipment.
At last Tuesday’s (October 29) full town council meeting it was proposed the money could be provided out of any underspend from the council’s small and large grants budget, however members ruled Newtown would have to submit a formal application for the money.
For some councillors the principle of supporting the club left a bitter taste following a previous dispute over who should take over the land at Greenhill Drive which involved the town council and the club making representations to Malvern Hills District Council.
Coun Patrick Mewton said: “Several years ago many of you know there was a battle royal between Newtown Sports Club and the town council about who was going to take over the playing fields.
“Newtown Sports were granted right on the grounds based on the fact they already had all this equipment and were going to get a very, very large grant from the FA.
“I’m not sure why they need this equipment they told the committee at district council they already had.
“Now they are coming and asking us for it. I don’t think we should.”
Coun Hannah Campbell added: “There is some irony in this. Its like they are saying ‘terribly sorry we beat you to the post on this land, could we have some equipment?’”
Coun Caroline Bovey also questioned whether the council should be supporting one single club when plans to maintain the council’s own pitches were under review due to financial reasons.
It was suggested during the meeting Newtown Sports Club could potentially hire out equipment and services from the council.
It was decided the club should submit a formal application for the money which will be discussed by the policy and resources committee later this month.
