- How can I find out more about the closure threat?
- Visit our sister web site www.SaveMiltonCountryPark.com and use the links down the right hand side which will tell you more about the history of the closure threat and what the implications are.
- Why do you now think a solution looks more likely?
- Over the last five months we've spend a lot of time behind the scenes talking to organisations who might be interested in taking on the Park. Some of us have also looked at how we might do so ourselves.
Meanwhile South Cambridgeshire District Council (SCDC) who currently own the Park have had discussions with us and with other organisations, especially at the workshop, and as a result have considerably softened their stance on what they would require of whoever took on the Park.
They are now entering into a negotiation process with those organisations which are still interested. We think that may lead to a solution but the finances are still going to be very tight and that's where you come in. Your financial support will help fill the funding gap for whoever takes on the Park, be it a local trust or another charitable organisation.
- Why don't you want our money now?
- We're not a charity. If you make you donation to a charity then they can recover the income tax you've paid on your pledges via Gift Aid. That increases the value of your pledges significantly as it makes us another £2.82 on every £10 you give to the Park!
This doesn't mean we won't accept cash donations now however, especially if the way the money was raised excludes us recovering the tax (from a street collection say or through running an event). In that case the best thing to do is to give us the money through the campaign web site.
- When will you want us to honour our pledges?
- We estimate this will be Autumn 2007 and then, for those of you who've pledged a repeating amount that will then repeat at the interval you've specified.
- How will we send you our money?
- For regular contributions we're hoping it will be possible to offer both standing order and direct debit as routes for you to send your money. We will write to you about this when it's time to ask you to honour your pledge.
- Can my business help?
- Yes, in all sorts of ways. For a start you might want to consider pledging financial support for the Park but if your business offers the sort of service the Park might be able to use which you could offer us on a pro bono basis or discounted rate we would love to hear from you.
You might also want to encourage your employees to donate towards the Park via Payroll Giving.
Your employees might also be interested in team building events in the Park. SCDC already run work parties staffed by local companies and whoever takes on the Park this is something which is likely to continue.
Pledge for the Park
your questions answered