Council steps in after New Forest Mencap's funding bid for New Milton town centre Queen's jubilee mural fails

PLANS for a wall mural in the centre of New Milton for the Queen’s platinum jubilee hit a snag when a charitable foundation denied it funding.

Learning disability charity New Forest Mencap had been depending on the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Community Fund (HIOWCF) handout for the £7,000 project, supported by a professional ceramic artist.

But a recent town council amenities committee meeting heard the application had failed amid a surge in other bids.

However, with members having previously backed the idea, chair Cllr Geoff Blunden suggested the council review alternative ways to support it.

“I feel very confident that other businesses and community organisations will help out with funding,” he added.

As reported in the A&T, New Milton district councillors Steve Clarke, Steve Davies, Christine Ward and Keith Craze have already offered New Forest District Council community grants totalling £2,000.

The town council had previously shelved divisive plans to revive a £30,000 sculpture project from 2008 for the jubilee.

It felt the 6sqft mural was more appropriate, comprising handmade ceramic tiles for possible mounting on the brick wall outside Boots at the junction of Station Road and Ashley Road.

Members agreed to discuss the matter further.Cllr Steve Clarke commented: “It’s quite a cheap project to have a lasting celebration.”