Publish Date : 30-May-2014
25 local groups from Axholme North were granted a share of Ł168,532 in the first awards from SSE’s Keadby wind farm community fund.
Successful applications include a Ł30,000 grant towards a long-term employability programme for young people in Crowle and Ealand; a Ł20,000 award for the refurbishment of children’s playpark in Ealand and nearly Ł70,000 in energy and infrastructure improvements to community buildings in Crowle, Althorpe, Luddington, Garthorpe and Ealand.
Projects to renovate the playing field pavilion in Crowle, preserve the war memorial at Eastoft and to set up a playgroup at Luddington School also received support.
The fund is provided as part of the construction of SSE’s Keadby Wind Farm and has an annual value of Ł170,000. Through an open application process, it can support community and charitable projects that will benefit in the Axholme North area. Administration of the scheme is provided by North Lincolnshire Council with decisions made by an independent advisory group containing local councillors and elected representatives from each parish council.
A separate regional fund, also worth Ł170,000 a year, will cover North Lincolnshire and will be launched this autumn. Over the 25 year lifespan of the wind farm, both funds will provide Ł8.5m in financial support to local projects in the local area.
Mel Bailey, Friends of Ealand Park, who received a grant of Ł20,000, said: “This support will make a huge difference. The park is already well used by locals and visitors alike and we now plan to upgrade the play area for tiny tots to include a mini roundabout, a pirate ship and many other features which wouldn't have been possible without funding.
“On behalf of the community, I’d like to say a big thank you to SSE for the giving us the opportunity to make a real difference.”
Fred Berry, treasurer of the Luddington Village Hall committee, which received a grant of Ł10,000 for energy improvements, said: "This grant has allowed us to meet our objective of lowering our carbon footprint by installing LED lighting and PV Solar Panels. These improvements will enable the village hall to generate electricity and keep down our running costs, increasing its sustainability so that it can be enjoyed by future generations of the community."
Councillor John Briggs, who chairs the advisory panel, said:
“The Keadby wind farm community fund has the potential to make significant and long lasting benefits to the people of Axholme North. I’m pleased to see it now up and running and delivering much needed support to community projects across the area.”
Jade Fearon, SSE’s Major Projects Liaison Officer said:
“It’s great to see the benefits of the wind farm continuing to flow into the local community. With a total commitment of Ł8.5m over the lifetime of the development, the funds are likely to have a real impact in the local area.”
Go to previous page
