Funding secured for Stowmarket library and park upgrades

Funds of £538,000 earmarked for a library refurbishment are among the beneficiaries of money collected by developers in Mid Suffolk.

The boost was approved on Monday by cabinet members at Mid Suffolk District Council, who allotted more than £600,000 from the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) bids.

CIL payments, a legal requirement paid by developers of residential sites across the districts, are meant for projects helping local infrastructure keep consumers' demands.

Cllr Ollie Walters (Image: Submitted)

Bids for CIL funding are regularly scrutinised by the councils, with recent success for two in Mid Suffolk.

The Stowmarket Library will reap £538,000 for extension and refurbishment, whilst the Debenham Recreation Ground will be bolstered with £74,000 for new play facilities.

Councillor Andrew Stringer said: “We welcome the opportunity to support these types of projects whose aims are to benefit our local communities."

He added he had confidence that these Mid Suffolk ventures will make a difference, anticipating their progress.

This marks the 13th round of available CIL funding through the council since May 2018, with a £11million allocated to infrastructure projects across Mid Suffolk until date.

Highlights among the disbursements include the Stowmarket Library Extension and Refurbishment project, expected to create a side extension, back office workspace, new toilet facilities, foyer space and an entrance.

Cllr Andrew Stringer (Image: Submitted)

Fellow councillor Ollie Walters said: "As ward member for St Peters, I am delighted to see Stowmarket Library benefitting from CIL investment."

A £74,000 is allocated for the Debenham Recreation Ground Project, envisaged to replace play facilities that have become outdated.

Accessible play equipment and an outdoor fitness gym are part of the new provisions.

Toasting the news, councillor Teresa Davis said: “It is great news for Debenham Parish Council after all their hard work."