LOCAL ward funding in one area of York is providing ‘staycation’ days for families in need.

Liberal Democrat Councillors in Huntington and New Earswick have utilised ward funding to support activity days for residents.

The Holiday at Home days, which are run by St Andrew’s Church in Huntington, provide a full day of fun activities for families who don’t want to go away or whose budgets cannot stretch to exotic holidays abroad.

Recently, Holiday at Home ran a seaside-themed day for families with children, while the next session will cater to elderly residents with crafts and other activities.

All three ward councillors, Carol Runciman, Chris Cullwick and Keith Orrell, the current Lord Mayor, attended the first session.

Cllr Carol Runciman, executive member for adult social care and health, said: “We take extra care in ensuring that our ward funding benefits local residents and meets our community’s priorities.

“We often look to see where we can help reduce isolation and loneliness in the ward and the work done at St Andrew’s does just that.

“They have managed a successful drop-in cafe for some time now, supported by our ward funding, and, therefore, this latest project was an easy choice to make.

“It is proving very popular with local families and I am sure it will go from strength to strength.

“This just goes to show the importance of ward committee funding and the impact it can have.

“If residents have other ideas of where funding can be spent, then I would strongly encourage them to get in touch.”

The Huntington and New Earswick councillors have worked with St Andrew’s Church on many occasions and recently awarded them a grant to upgrade the church hall facilities in order to provide a drop-in cafe for local residents.