COLCHESTER Council saved £15,000 when the Castle Park Winter Wonderland failed before Christmas.
The authority had set aside the money for a number of promotional events after the attraction would have closed in January.
But because the event failed due to melting ice, as a result of record-breaking December temperatures, that money has now been recouped.
It will be added to the £20,000 which had initially been set aside to pay to light up the town’s Roman walls.
In total, £194,000 went unspent last year.
That money will be spent on a similar scheme to the Big Choice award, which saw a number of organisations given at least £25,000 last year.
This year, however, it will be focused on smaller community groups with a minimum award of £10,000.
Some £40,000 has also been set aside to be spent on a number of town centre events over the next 18 months, aimed at bringing more people to the area.
And £30,000 will be used to establish a rent deposit scheme for 25 families who are declared homeless.
About £24,000 will be used to provide household goods, such as ovens, fridges and beds, for 50 families who have been re-homed and are living on low levels of income.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel