Councillors agree to fund Christmas drive to 'celebrate the festive period with lights' in Sunderland

West Sunderland Area Committee approved making extra funds available from its Neighbourhood Investment Capital Programme to increase their festive offer.

The area committee was originally allocated £500,000 for capital programme developments between 2020/23, which complement the West Area Investment Delivery Plan.

Ahead of the meeting the budget was down to £320,971 for the remainder of the period, before councillors approved allocating £50,000 to top up the festive celebrations budget.

This adds to the £10,000 already allocated from the fund for festive lighting and celebrations, and leaves £270,971 remaining in the funding pot.

In the application for the funding, it states the project will “celebrate the festive period with lights around each ward”.

Gilly Stanley, area community development lead, told councillors other avenues could be explored for further funds to boost the project if needed.

She said: “The boards will each meet and discuss what sort of things you can do, and look at your walk and talk, community chests and any shopping centre budgets to top that up if you wish to.”

An application for West Neighbourhood Capital Funding also notes how, as part of the festive lights and celebrations scheme, council chiefs will ensure suitable seating and bins will be provided in the area.

It said: “Benches and bins in the sandhill extension and ski slope area will be located throughout to enable residents to be able to freely walk around without having to worry about resting points.

“The bins will be placed around the area at key points to ensure less litter in the areas.”

Support your Echo and become a subscriber today. Enjoy unlimited access to local news, the latest on SAFC and new puzzles every day. With a digital subscription, you can see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Click here to subscribe.