MONEY usually paid out in small grants to parish groups in Powick and Callow End could be directed into capital projects in future.

Chairman Andy Lamb has asked Powick Parish Council to consider the option, suggesting that money could be spent on improvements at the Hospital Lane Playing Fields, Powick.

"We have funded a few small projects recently, but before that quite a lot of money went to Callow End Playing Field, which is practically running itself now," he said.

"I would like to see something similar in terms of capital expenditure at Hospital Lane."

It would be better for user groups to drive the project, instead of the council, he said.

Last year the council gave out £6,000 in small grants to local groups and this year's first grant allocation of up to £3,000 is due in June. Some groups have already sent in applications.

New development

"We are the only parish council in the district with a policy of awarding small grants and some members were a bit concerned last year that we were getting repeat applications," said Mr Lamb.

"£6,000 might be a reasonable amount to put towards a capital investment."

John Mason said the council had done well to help small groups and should be proud of what it had done.

"Because something has worked well in the past doesn't mean it is necessarily time to change," he said.

Jim Allsopp was also keen to continue the grant scheme, but said the money should go towards genuine new development and repeat grants should be avoided.

Before the consideration of grant applications at the June meeting, the council will decide whether to continue with the scheme and if so, whether to allocate the full £3,000 or hold some money back for a capital project.