Big Society: If Cameron gave your community some money, what would you spend it on?

[grannieonabike]

I'd buy a second-hand bus, pay a local mechanic to sort it out, pay a local person to drive it and put it at the service of local families and old people - to take them for free days out with carers (paid).

I'd also pay a local person to publicise it and co-ordinate it, probably one full-time job.

So Monday: local play group to nearby Safari park.
Tuesday: local residential home to nearby stately home
etc.

And in the holidays, local parents could decide where they wanted to go.

We've already got a community bus, but they're fundraising for a second one so some money for that.

I'd also put money into green community stuff like tree planting and gardening, putting up bee boxes etc.

I'd also put money towards teenage stuff. Not sure what but there must be something they would rather be doing that hanging around outside our house all night.

Well having read some of the threads on here about lack of holiday care/respite for children with sn - I think some of kind of provision for that would be good..

that's a cool idea.

we've got a building on the field next to the playground that's basically unused. DH was involved in a committee planning to redo it, have soft play, sports clubs etc. all costed out and attainable, but at the last minute the council threw a hissy fit and said no

so now it's lying there empty! would love to get that going, our district doesn't get much in the way of child/youth activities.

What about other empty buildings? I'd use the money to pay local people to do them up for local groups to use as they see fit.

Agree about teenage stuff. A sound-proof room for band practice, for example. Could be part of the converted empty building above (attic or cellar).

Also for teens, bring back 50s-style coffee bars where they can meet, eat, drink, chat like normal human beings. With computers (obviously) and wifi access. Could be monitored/staffed by paid local teens and college uni students home for holidays. Like a students' union bar without the alcohol, for teenagers. Or am I just describing a youth club??? But no adults over 25.

This building could also have local art for sale on walls etc. An an attic studio. And .. and ...and ...

invest in village hall.
sort out preschool/nursery on the island.
school/community bus.
waste disposal.
get more 'on-island' services like visiting dentist, chiropractor, etc.
better support for land managers in the area. wrt tourists and tourism, and improving info and access for visitors.
supporting social enterprise on the island.

...but, considering our basic services are to be cut by Mr Cameron, there ain't much chance of getting investment in these!!