Every year, each of Hertfordshire's 78 county councillors are provided with a Locality Budget to spend on projects in their local area.

In the North Hertfordshire District, prior to the Covid pandemic, councillors were each given a total of £10,000 per year to spend on projects which promote the social, economic, or environmental wellbeing of their local area.

Recognising the ongoing challenges, the county faces as a result of the pandemic, Locality Budget funding was increased in 2020 to £15,000 per councillor, to help support Covid-related schemes.

This extra funding has been continued in 2021, and Locality Budgets have continued to make a positive difference to the lives of Hertfordshire's residents and communities including Baldock.

Here is what Baldock and Letchworth East councillor Michael Muir has dished out to support local community groups in our area prior to Christmas.

Baldock Futures Fund – Coronavirus Support group for Baldock and surrounding villages

Councillor Michael Muir who is also the vice-chairman of North Herts Council's development control committee, has approved a Locality Budget Scheme grant of £3,000 to support a hardship fund which was borne out of the Baldock Coronavirus Support Group.

It has helped people during the pandemic with grants towards food, clothes, fuel, and other requirements.

The fund also supports a domestic violence refuge in Baldock which has helped women with children to weather the storm of having to leave their marital homes and settle in a new town.

Councillor Muir said: "The Baldock Futures Fund provides help for people in the villages around Baldock, as well as the town itself, who find themselves in difficulties as a result of the pandemic.

"I am happy to support their efforts to help those in the area who have been hardest hit by the pandemic."

Magic Moments Pre School, Baldock – New laptop and indoor kitchen role play equipment

Councillor Michael Muir has awarded a grant of £450 to help pay for a new laptop for the preschool as well as new kitchen role play equipment.

A new laptop is a replacement for one which is 11 years old.

Councillor Muir said: "This funding will help the preschool and make learning more enjoyable for the children and planning of activities easier for staff."

Baldock District Guides - replacement guttering and fascias

Councillor Michael Muir has awarded a grant of £450 to help with replacement guttering and a fascia for a Guide Hut that has been used since the 1950's.

The repairs are needed to avoid flooding and damp issues in the building.

Councillor Muir said: "Baldock Guides have always been self-sufficient and paid for other works at the venue through their own funds or fundraising initiatives.

"Due to Covid and drop in membership this has not been possible recently and the group is reaching out to organisations for help to assist with costs for replacing all the guttering and fascia at the Guide HQ in Baldock.

"These works are urgently needed to avoid damp and flooding to the building."

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