A source from Absolute Client Services, a Chelmsford-based sales and marketing company, was excited today about Olympic cash being used to help local projects. “The grants are part of the Olympic legacy fund,” we were told, “and are helping a lot of business nationwide, particularly those that have a positive impact on the community, and youth. It’s fantastic to see some of the benefit locally.”

For example, a campaign started 25 years ago to create a library in Springfield received funding, which will make the dream a reality this year. The campaign was started by Springfield residents and the parish council in the eighties. Barbara Larken, Springfield Parish clerk, said: “The parish council started campaigning a very long time ago and was disappointed to miss out on a grant in 2007. Now the county council has put the work out to tender and chosen a contractor.”

Pam Lane, parish councillor, said she was “thrilled to bits” with the extension of the parish centre, in St Augustine’s Way, which will provide a new library and community centre. Work could start in the summer holidays.

More than £1million overall has been secured from ECC and the Olympic legacy fund, which is earmarked for more than a dozen community projects. Our source at Absolute Client Services said, “These grants have the potential to improve the lives of a lot of young people, and really regenerate local communities.”

Schemes include: A new headquarters for South Woodham Ferrers Girl Guides, refurbishment and extension of Broomfield’s David Smith Memorial Hall, repairs at Writtle Bowling Club, a grant towards a skate park project in South Woodham Ferrers, improvements to Chelmer Village community hall and redevelopment of the Chelmsford YMCA branch.

Chelmsford Council will also receive £92,500 of Olympic cash which will be used to provide outdoor gyms in Andrews Park and Central Park. The facilities will be free to use and offer residents the opportunity to try a range of sports and activities with the aim of increasing participation in sport and improving health.

Christopher Kingsley, councillor responsible for parks and heritage, said: “We are delighted local people will be able to benefit from two free, permanent, all-year-round Olympic legacy facilities in two of the borough’s popular parks.”

Groups can now apply for cash from next year’s grant allocations.

http://www.chelmsfordweeklynews.co.uk/news/9642455.New_library_and_other_projects_get___1million_windfall/