Grant Aid Applications Open - Supporting Our Local Community

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Lymington and Pennington Town Council is proud to open this year’s round of Grant Aid applications. Every year, these grants help local organisations continue their fantastic work, from running clubs and events to providing essential services that bring real benefits to residents of all ages.

We know how much of our community’s strength comes from dedicated volunteers and groups who give their time, energy, and creativity. That is why the Town Council remains committed to supporting these efforts through its grant programme. Whether your organisation provides opportunities for young people, promotes health and wellbeing, supports vulnerable residents, or enhances local culture and environment, we want to hear from you.

Key details for applicants:

  • Deadline: Applications must be received by 31 October 2025.

  • Updated Policy: The Grants Policy was amended earlier this year. It is important that all organisations read the new criteria before applying to confirm eligibility and prepare the necessary documents. You can access the policy here: Grant Policy 2025–2027.

  • Review Process: All applications will be assessed by the Grants Panel, who will then make recommendations to the full Council.

  • Payment of Grants: Awards will form part of the Council’s 2026–2027 budget and will be paid to successful organisations in April 2026.

We encourage all eligible organisations to apply. Together, we can ensure that the wonderful projects, services, and opportunities that enrich Lymington and Pennington continue to grow and flourish.

Annual Governance & Accountability Return (AGAR) 2025

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BDO have now completed their audit of the AGAR for 2024/25.  

 

Lymington and Pennington Town Council are now publishing:

 

The Notice of Conclusion of Audit

 

Sections 1, 2 and 3 of the AGAR –

Annual Governance Statement 2024/25 (Section 1)

 Accounting Statements 2024/25 (Section 2)  

External Audit Report 2024/25 (Section 3)   

Pennington Common - Clean up operation

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Bailiffs successfully evicted the unauthorised encampment on Pennington Common earlier today Thursday 24th July, with the final vehicle leaving the site at 11:15am. Our Parks and Open Spaces team is now on site carrying out a detailed assessment, identifying any hazardous waste or dangerous items to ensure the area is made safe before a full clean-up can begin.

Initial inspections suggest that the clean-up may take several days and could extend into the middle of next week, due to the volume and manner in which waste has been left behind.

Lymington and Pennington Town Council is fully committed to restoring Pennington Common to its natural beauty as quickly as possible. We are passionate about protecting and caring for our public spaces, and we understand how important this area is to our residents, dog walkers, families, and the wider community.

We kindly ask that people avoid the site while our team carries out this essential work, to ensure both public safety and the efficiency of the clean-up operation. We would like to thank the public for their understanding whilst we complete the work.

Pedestrian Improvement Works on Avenue Road, Lymington

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Hampshire County Council has appointed Rocon Construction Ltd to undertake pedestrian improvement works on Avenue Road in Lymington. Works will be constructed in the vicinity of Lymington Junior School.

Works will take place on Monday 4 August for a duration of approximately three weeks, with permitted working hours between 7:30am and 4:30pm. For the safety of the public and workers, works will be carried out under temporary two-way traffic lights.

Improvement works will include:
- installation of new zebra crossing
- landscaping improvements in the vicinity of the new crossing point
- widening of the footway on the southern side of Avenue Road

The nature of the work may bring some disruption or inconvenience however every effort will be made to keep this to a minimum.

Please note that the works are weather dependent and may need to be re-arranged at short notice in the event of adverse weather.

Advance warning signs will be in place and emergency vehicle access to properties will be maintained at all times.

Please visit Causeway one.network for up-to-date information on diversion routes, traffic management, and the exact location of the works: https://one.network/?GB143365929.

For further information about the scheme please visit the scheme webpage at: Hampshire County Council; Avenue Road, Lymington - Pedestrian Improvements | Transport and roads | Hampshire County Council.

Annual Governance & Accountability Return

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The Local Audit & Accountability Act 2014 and the Accounts & Audit Regulations 2015 set out the responsibilities of all local councils in respect of their accounting and auditing procedures.

Each year, the Council’s financial accounts and statements must be examined by an independent internal auditor appointed by the Council.  For the year 2024/25 LIGHTATOUCH was appointed.

The Council is also required to complete an Annual Governance & Accountability Return (AGAR) which includes the findings of the Internal Auditor, together with Governance Statements and Financial Statements. The AGAR is then submitted to the independent external auditor appointed by the Audit Commission for examination.

A summary of this year’s audit process is detailed below, together with copies of the relevant documents.

Year Ending 31st March 2025

The Council’s Financial Statements and Annual Governance & Accountability Return (AGAR) submission for the year-ending 31st March 2025 had been checked by LIGHTATOUCH and subsequently approved by the Full Council at its meeting held on 18th June 2025.

The completed AGAR, together with the relevant supporting documentation, will be submitted, no later than 30th June 2025 to the external auditor, BDO LLP who are required to complete their review by 30th September 2025.

Following this submission, Lymington and Pennington Town Council are publishing the Notice of Public Rights and Publication of the Unaudited Annual Governance & Accountability Return along with the draft (not yet externally audited) sections 1 and 2 of the AGAR –Annual Governance Statement 2024/25 (Section 1)) and Accounting Statements 2024/25 (Section 2) with the Summary of Your Rights stating that any person interested has a right to inspect and make copies of the accounting records for the 2024/25 Financial Year. This will run for a period of six weeks commencing on 20th June 2025 to 31st July 2025. Any person who wishes to review the documentation is advised to contact the Responsible Finance Officer to make an appointment.

BDO LLP are due to complete their audit of the AGAR for 2024/25 by the 30th September 2025.  The report will be published soon after with the audited AGAR being available for public access for a period of not less than 5 years from the date of publication stated above.

Lower Pennington Lane Roadworks

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Following the carriageway resurfacing carried out in 2024, Hampshire County Council - HCC has advised that further post-resurfacing verge works will be taking place on Lower Pennington Lane, from the junction with Fox Pond Lane to approximately 70 metres past the entrance to Hurst View Caravan Site.

These works are scheduled to begin on Tuesday 17th June 2025 and are expected to last two days. During this period, the road will be closed to through traffic between 9:30am and 4:00pm each day. Access will be maintained where possible, but please be aware that short delays may occur. The road will remain open outside of these working hours.

For detailed information, please visit the One.Network website:
👉 https://one.network/?GB143504258

Two manholes which were previously surfaced over during the initial works still require adjustment. These will be completed separately during night-time works.

While every effort will be made to keep to the published schedule, works may be postponed at short notice due to weather conditions. If any significant changes occur, they will be reflected on the yellow information boards located at the site.

Advance signage will be placed to notify road users before the works begin.

HCC thank residents and visitors for their patience and cooperation.