Could your child be eligible for free school meals?
Argyll and Bute Council’s policy lead for education is urging parents to find out if their child qualifies for free schools meals.
Councillor Yvonne McNeilly said: ‘We all want the best start in life for our children and young people, both in terms of their health and education.
‘Evidence shows that school meals can help do this, by improving general health and helping to tackle health inequalities.
‘There are a number of young people in Argyll and Bute who are eligible for free school meals but are not benefitting. It is vital that parents look into whether or not they are missing out on this opportunity.
‘Not only do free school meals provide children with a healthy, balanced lunch, they help to remove the pressures faced by some parents.’
For free school meals, parents must receive Income Support; income-based Job Seekers Allowance; income-related Employment and Support Allowance; Child Tax Credit and Working Tax Credit; Universal Credit; and/ or support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999.
For further information, and to apply, visit www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/ education-and-learning/ childcare-school-and-education-grants-0
South Kintyre Councillor Donald Kelly said: ‘I welcome this funding and would encourage all shop owners to make an application even if it’s only to dress a window of a vacant shop. Every effort should be made to keep the shopfronts as tidy as possible.’
Between 2008 and 2012, 17 shopfronts were improved in a traditional style via Campbeltown THI and CARS Round 1, including Numero Dix, The Treehouse and The Hardware Store.
Appealing
Councillor Aileen Morton, policy lead for economic development, said: ‘This funding will help to refresh some of Campbeltown’s shopfronts and make the town even more appealing to visitors and residents alike.
‘I look forward to seeing the results of the work carried out by the successful applicants.’
The Campbeltown scheme is one of 11 across Argyll and Bute that will benefit from an allocation of £1,242,000 from the Scottish Government’s Town Centre Fund.
At a meeting of the full council on June 27, the following projects, alongside Campbeltown’s, were identified to receive a share of the funding: Lochgilphead Front Green additional works – £200,000; Bowmore public realm enhancements – £85,000; Rosneath Howie Park community-driven enhancements – £90,000; Hermitage Park additional community and events resource – £35,000; Helensburgh Pier pedestrian access enhancements – £85,000; Revitalisation of outdoor event space at Dunoon Public Realm/Band Stand – £200,000; and Rothesay Pontoons – £150,000.
On July 5 it was confirmed that two projects in Oban and one on Mull will also receive a share of the funding. The Rockfield Centre will be allocated £90,000, while £44,000 has been earmarked for the Oban Town Centre interpretation signage, and £150,000 will go to the first phase of the Tobermory Harbour and Public Realm enhancements.
For more information about the Campbeltown shopfront improvement scheme, please contact James Lafferty on 01586 559049 or james.lafferty@argyll-bute.gov.uk