STANSTED’S district councillors have clashed with their Birchanger colleague over how a pot of community cash should be split.
Liberal Democrat Alan Dean and Conservative Jonathan Rich, who represent Stansted’s South and North wards, say the village should get the vast majority of money owed to the community by Foresthall Park’s developers.
But Cllr Elizabeth Godwin, whose ward – the smallest in the district – encompasses part of the housing estate at the former Rochford Nurseries site, is pressing for Birchanger to get one-third of the £1.3m as originally agreed.
At Uttlesford District Council cabinet meeting, the pair voiced their anger after leader Cllr Jim Ketteridge approved £352,295 from the fund for projects based in Birchanger.
He told them to accept the split and put in their own bids.
Cllr Dean told the council: “There has been major distress caused, particularly in Stansted, over the way the whole process has been handled. How can the district council justify giving one-third to Birchanger when the homes are part of the Stansted community?”
Cllr Rich added his frustration at a £90,000 grant for comfort facilities at Birchanger’s St Mary’s Church.
He said: “Six people attend that church. That money is going there at a time when Stansted has had its own public lavatories closed.”
Cllr Godwin, an Independent, argued the church was used by community groups and the facilities would help it grow. She added: “People in the new estate are turning to Birchanger for recreation.”
Her request also comprised £80,000 for the village’s sports and social centre and bowls club, £140,000 to expand the village hall and car park and £42,295 for leisure equipment.
Cllr Ketteridge said: “Stansted have to put their house in order over this matter. They need to provide clarity.”
Planning policy chief Cllr Susan Barker added: “We would advise Stansted if they want more money then they go out and get extra funding elsewhere.”
The village is looking for £750,000 to spend on its Crafton Green offices and around £180,000 on play areas, among other projects.
Afterwards, Cllr Dean said: “I was allowed to have my say at the meeting, but to no avail. They never gave a rational answer to why Birchanger warrants one-third of the money.
“This puts toilets in Birchanger Parish Church, which is used by few people, ahead of the safety of pedestrians from Foresthall Park or the many children and families who need support at Stansted’s Children’s Centre.”
