Full  Council provides funds to support COVID response  

At the Full Council meeting on 17th November, Councillors agreed to providing an additional £3750 of funding to be split between a range of organisations supporting the local community through the second lockdown and into the new year.

A donation of £2000 was approved to the Bradford on Avon Hub, along with £500 to the Floaty Boat charity to assist work by both charities supporting those suffering financial hardship. Both organisations are reporting a large increase in need in the last month, with more expected to seek support as families head towards Christmas and into 2021. Councillors noted the continued uncertainty around COVID-19, guidelines imposed and its economic impact, and the need to address this.

The meeting also approved a donation to the Bradford Town Football Club‘s sponsorship appeal, which will see the whole playing squad and management running a total distance of 867 miles over lockdown in aid of the Hub. The proposal to contribute to the fund was brought by Cllr Jim Lynch, and after discussion Cllr Dom Newton proposed to match the funds target of £500, with the hope that funding will be added to with a similar donation from Wiltshire Councils Area Board. Further public donations can be made to help spur the team on by visiting https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/bradford-townfc-1

Finally, Councillors provided funding of £750 to cover the cost of a short term FM licence for West Wilts Radio, to be paid directly to Ofcom, in order to allow the station to broadcast on the FM bandwidth for two weeks, while additional funding is sought elsewhere. As in the first lockdown, the station will relay information from the Town and Wiltshire Council, as well as providing community information about shop opening times and where to seek support locally.

Leader of the Council, Cllr Dom Newton said:

“The resilience and generosity of our community over the last 8 months has been awe inspiring. As a Council we have added support in a number of ways, but we also recognise that many individuals and households are facing increased and ongoing financial pressures. We have the opportunity, through these donations, to provide further support to organisations serving our town, which can make a big difference to how they are able to respond.”

If you would like to find out more or support any of the above charities, visit by clicking on the below links:

The Hub

Floaty Boat Charity

Bradford Town Football Club and sponsorship page: HERE

You can also donate items to the Hub, Julian House and Bath Cats & Dogs Home at the Giving Tree located in Lamb Yard (tree sponsored by First Port).

More information about the Giving Tree can be read in our previous article HERE and information about financial assistance the Town Council has provided to the Hub earlier in the year, plus ways you can help, can be found in our article HERE