Axminster residents get a say on how cash is spent

RESIDENTS are set to shape Axminster's future - by helping to decide what available funding should be spent on.A public meeting has been organised for individuals and organisations to decide what the town council's �120,000 pot of money should be spent on.The funds come from financial contributions from past developers and are to be used for play and recreation facilities.At the same meeting, led by Councillor Jeremy Walden, residents will get a chance to make suggestions on what future pots of money should be spent on for the improvements to the town centre - for example works of art or benches.This meeting is the first of its kind in Devon, and the country, and is leading the way by asking the residents first where public money should be invested.One of the main proposals, which will be voted on at the meeting, is to extend the football field at Millwey Rise.Although the land, opposite the new development, belongs to the council and is expected to be turned into a cemetery in 15 to 20 years' time, the land could be used as a public playing field.The meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 21, at the Guildhall, at 7.30pm. Ideas can also be sent to the town clerk at The Guildhall, West Street, Axminster.