Scheme to support parishes gets funds

UP TO 130 parish councils in Hampshire will be supported by the county council's parish lengthsman scheme this year as the scheme grows.

By The Newsroom

Published 29th Mar 2016, 05:55 GMT

Updated 2nd Apr 2016, 00:23 GMT

The scheme operated until the late 1960s, undertaking work to keep the sections of highway they were responsible for, in a good and tidy condition.

It was reintroduced in 2010, to give communities more say in the upkeep of their surroundings and to play an active role in the highways service.

This year, the authority is investing an additional £30,000 in to the scheme.

Councillor Rob Humby, executive member for environment and transport, confirmed the council’s support for another year last week .

He said: ‘We started with 10 parish councils as a pilot in the Meon Valley.

‘The scheme has been a great success and in 2016, the numbers of parishes participating in the scheme will have grown to 125.

‘I’m pleased to confirm that the council is able to continue to fund it for the coming financial year.’