A cash boost of about £3m could have been lost to Tendring because the council axed its £5,000 subscription to an arts body.

The money is to be focused on the Rush Green and Golf Green wards for three years, starting in 2005.

They are among the most deprived areas of the county and will benefit from the Creative Partnership in Tendring.

However, that funding was put in jeopardy when the council decided to cancel its subscription to the Arts Council England, East as part of savings in the 2002/3 budget.

Now it is looking to reverse the decision for this year and coming years before it is too late.

In a report from officers, it states at the time the £5,040 subscription was cancelled as it was felt that the council received little benefit from it.

Then, last year, the arts council was informed Tendring had been selected as one of three areas in the county to be chosen from the creative partnerships initiative delivered through the Arts Council England, East.

"The reinstatement of this in the budget was subsequently put forward as a high priority cost pressure as part of the 2004/5 budget process," it added.

"But when the draft budget was approved by cabinet on January 9, it was one of those listed that were rejected."

Published Tuesday May 25, 2004

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