Members of Bridgend council's cabinet have defended the recently approved community infrastructure fund, worth a total of £1.5m, following concerns raised over how the cash was allocated. The scheme was established to help develop leisure and community facilities across the county borough, operating alongside existing initiatives like the UK Government's pride in place impact fund due to high demand for grants. Specific allocations under the fund include £640,000 for two new skate parks in Bryntirion and Cornelly, £230,000 for the redevelopment of the North Pavilion on Newbridge Fields, £150,000 for Bridgend Ravens RFC to replace a grass pitch with a 3G surface, and £150,000 to Penybont Football Club for improved access and parking. However, the funding decision was called in by members of the Bridgend County Independent Group. Councillor Freya Bletsoe highlighted concerns over whether the fund was sufficiently documented and whether the criteria used to select projects were applied consistently. Furthermore, the leader of the independents, councillor Amanda Williams, pointed out discrepancies regarding projects discussed in un-minuted leaders' meetings, noting that an expected allocation for Nantymoel Rugby Club's changing rooms was omitted while a project for Newbridge Fields was included without her prior knowledge. In response, council leader John Spanswick rejected any suggestions of underhand dealings, emphasizing a commitment to openness and transparency while acknowledging that the cabinet report wording regarding consultation meetings could have been handled differently. He stressed that discussions with group leaders served to gather ideas rather than guarantee selection, and that governance procedures were properly managed by officers. Fuente: walesonline.co.uk
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