DOVE GETS ITS GRANT - WITH STRINGS

A CASH-strapped pressure group, fighting plans for a waste incinerator in Newhaven, is to get a £5,000 grant from Lewes District Council.

But the Defenders of the Ouse Valley and Estuary (DOVE) will not be allowed to use the money directly for that purpose.

Instead it will have to use it specifically for spreading public awareness of waste disposal methods other than by waste incinerator.

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The council is also fighting the waste incinerator plan but does not want to be seen to funding an outside organisation for that purpose.

The council's cabinet had actually agreed the money some time ago but Cllr Norman Turner had the issue called in for further scrutiny because he was not satisfied with DOVE's financial position.

He said the group had failed to give adequate financial information about its circumstances and could be in financial disarray.

He told the council's cabinet on Wednesday: 'I had the matter called in because the financial information was insecure. I was also concerned that a precedent could be set for other groups to make similar requests for grants.

'It should be made very clear what the money is for.'

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Councillors were given an up-to-date statement of accounts for DOVE.

It showed the group had more than 3,600 held in a deposit account.

It has more than 700 members.

Conditions on the grant also include a rider that it must not be used in connection with any political purpose and that the council be provided with a copy of the audited accounts.