Community projects near Hellrigg Wind Farm receive share of £18,000

Community projects near Hellrigg Wind Farm have received a share of £18,000.

The Windfarm, near Silloth, is operated by RWE Renewables and has been supporting its local communities through the Hellrigg Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund for over 10 years. The fund is managed by Cumbria Community Foundation and supports community-related, environmental and educational activities run by volunteer-led and community groups that benefit the parishes of Silloth-on-Solway, Holme St Cuthbert’s, Holme Low, and Holme Abbey.

Silloth-on-Solway Town Council received £5,000 for Silloth Green’s Changing Place project, which will provide accessible toilets for the local community and visitors.

Cllr. Carol Doran, Chair of the Accessibility Committee said: “This is brilliant news for Silloth and shows how important this facility is, offering those with disabilities the opportunity to enjoy with confidence the town and indeed the Green. The Accessibility Committee is delighted to know that they are supported in this endeavour by Cumbria Community Foundation.”

Changing Places is more than a standard accessible toilet, it offers additional specialist equipment that meets the needs of people with profound and complex disabilities who cannot use the toilet independently.

A Changing Places toilet can give new-found freedom as those with disabilities can stay away from home longer, knowing that they can visit a safe, hygienic bathroom.

Holme Low Parish Projects Group received £10,000 to support the renovation of the old waiting room at Causewayhead Cemetery. There have been complaints from members of the public about the poor condition of the building, which has been allowed to fall into disrepair in recent years and about the lack of any toilet facilities and adequate water supply. The project will restore the former waiting room building, provide accessible toilet facilities and a water supply for people putting flowers on the graves of their loved ones.

Duncan Findlay, Project Group Chairman, said: “On behalf of the project group I would like to thank Hellrigg Wind Farm for the support. Details about the project can be seen on our website www.holmelow-pc.org.uk.”

Two further projects also received a financial boost. Silloth Youth Club received £3,000 to provide activities for its young members and Holme St Cuthbert Community Group received £300 to make improvements to Newtown pond.

All applications reviewed

All applications are reviewed by an advisory panel made up of local people.

Wendy Jameson said: “As an Advisory Panel member since 2012, I can honestly say these grants have made a big difference to a lot of groups in the local area and to their projects, from the very small to the more substantial, which have brought real benefits to our local community, at a grassroots level.

“When funding can be difficult to secure, Cumbria Community Foundation have helped to make the process much less daunting and I would encourage groups to come forward and apply.”

Annalee Holliday, Senior Grants & Programmes Officer at the foundation, said: “Since 2012, more than £180,000 has benefited communities in the local area, supporting over 60 projects. These include maintaining and upgrading village halls, improving access to facilities, providing vital funds to cover running costs for community groups, supporting projects that add value to public services and much more.”

For more information or to apply for a grant, visit: https://www.cumbriafoundation.org/fund/hellrigg-community-benefit-fund/ or call Annalee Holliday on 01900 820827 or email [email protected]