COUNCILLORS have come up with a “plan B” over future funding coming through from developers.

A meeting of Fordingbridge Town Council on January 9 was told section 106 funds had been earmarked for the refurbishment of the pavilion at the recreation ground, but an alternative plan was needed in case the March deadline could not be met.

Section 106 money is from developers which is used to mitigate the impact of new home developments on the local community and infrastructure.

Town council chairman, Paul Anstey said: “There’s been some really good work in the progress of this pavilion enhancement and refurbishment but our concern is that an issue outside of our control would scupper it. Therefore, we just need a plan B of where that money could be spent if we were unable to spend this money on the pavilion.”

The council’s town clerk Paul Goddard said if the cost was “in excess” of the section 106 money there could be issues in funding.

The section 106 money is approximately £120,000.

Alternative projects suggested included resurfacing of the town council-owned car park in the recreation ground, new play equipment and a multi-use games area (MUGA).

Councillor Edward Hale said MUGAs had been popular a few years ago but questioned whether there was demand for one in the town.

Councillors also questioned whether work to improve the car park would meet the section 106 funding criteria.

The council agreed new play equipment would be the second choice followed by resurfacing of the car park if the preferred option of the pavilion project was not possible.

Councillor Anstey said: “That then gives us projects to allocate money should the pavilion not work out.

Councillor John Mouland said that during a meeting about the pavilion it had been mentioned that there could be a chance of ringfencing some Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) money for the project.

Cllr Anstey added: “The pavilion project is not dead.”