Applications invited for wind farm windfall

Goole Fields Community Benefit Fund is worth £64,000 annually and in future will be index linked in line with inflation.

The fund will be open for applications until 30th June 2015. To find out more and to make and application visit the East Riding of Yorkshire Council (ERYC) website at www.eastriding.gov.uk.

Surgeries will also be held on Saturday June 13 from 11am3pm in Marshlands Hotel, Swinefleet Road, Old Goole and on Wednesday June 17 from noon to 7pm at Snaith Town Council Offices which will offer advice on completing the applications.

The funding comes as part of a £1.6million cash injection into the local community over the lifetime of the wind farm by developer and wind farm operator RWE Innogy UK.

The fund is administered independently by ERYC with decisions made by a panel of local representatives.

Karen Wood, Rural Communities Officer said: “We are really keen to encourage as many applications as possible.

“Even a relatively small grant can have a huge impact upon on the communities and those that live in them.”

Katy Woodington, RWE Innogy UK’s community investment officer says backing can provide valuable and long-term support for a whole raft of local projects and groups.

She said: “This fund can provide the communities living close to the wind farm with sustainable support whether that is to launch a new project, fund building work or even more difficult to fund support running costs and salaries.

“It is designed to meet the needs of the local communities and I’d urge local voluntary and community organisations seeking financial support to apply.”

Goole Fields Wind Farm started operating clean energy in 2014. It comprises 16 turbines and has an installed capacity of 32.8 megawatts which is enough energy to meet the annual domestic needs of around 18,200 average UK households.*

For further information visit www.rweinnogy.com/goolefields and to apply for a grant email [email protected] or visit www.eastriding.gov.uk