Bexhill Islamic group's £30K refurbishment bid snubbed?

The Bexhill Islamic Association wants £28,650 from Rother District Council to refurbish the Masjid and Islamic Centre on Clifford Road.

But officers have recommended the application be declined as it fails to meet the Community Grant Scheme’s (CGS) criteria.

Cabinet will make the final decision on grant bids at its next meeting at the town hall on Monday (March 7).

Ward representative Joy Hughes had given her approval for the bid but it seems unlikely the Islamic society will get a share of the £130,000 pot.

However, the Old Town Preservation Society’s application for £5,000 to exhibit old photos of the area has been recommended for approval.

The exhibition in September will document the Old Town from 1900 to 1925.

Funding for covered staging and equipment for Journeys Dance Festival on the seafront in July was applied for by 18 Hours.

As with the Islamic association, their bid for £2,000 was deemed not to meet the criteria and was not recommended for approval.

East Sussex Junior Badminton Association’s bid for £2,300 also failed to get the backing of officers.

This round of grants coincides with the 1066 Anniversary Grants Scheme, a £10,000 fund to commemorate the 950th anniversary of the Battle of Hastings.

Most of the bids recommended for approval are in Battle but Rother Voluntary Action’s application for £500 looks set to be backed.

The group wants to use the money to support the TeamUP Bexhill Project at Bexhill Indoor Bowls – aimed at getting families involved in stargazing and astronomy.

Conquest Hospital Radio wants £500 for four special programmes on the 950th anniversary, which would be aired at Bexhill Hospital.

Cabinet members will decide whether to give them £500 from the 1066 fund or £1,000 from the CGS and not expect match funding.

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