Shopping list needed for unspent cash (From Harwich and Manningtree Standard)

Shopping list needed for unspent cash

12:00pm Sunday 10th February 2013 in Harwich and Manningtree News By Helen Barnett

HARWICH leaders have been told to write a shopping list for the town after it was revealed district was sitting on nearly £300,000 of planning cash.

A total of £296,839 is sat in the coffers at Tendring Council collected from Section 106 agreements.

Big developers pay the cash to Tendring to improve areas which may be affected by their building projects.

More than £161,000 is committed to upgrading Dovercourt Skate Park, The Hangings and upgrading a children’s play area.

There is more than £135,000 unallocated money which has about four years until it expires.

But David Smith, of Manor Road, Dovercourt, said the money was needed now.

Peter Halliday, leader of Tendring Council and finance boss, said: “It is worth the town council writing a shopping list of what they would like. If we know what we want we can go into battle with it.”

Harwich Town Councillor Garry Calver said: "We have been seeking this information through official council channels and it is unacceptable for Cllr Halliday to provide us with it via a conversation with the Standard."