Groups urged to cash in on Ulley wind farm cash pot

Angela Harrison, clerk to Whiston Parish Council, which received £3,000 towards the completion of a play park in the village, with Lewis Stokes, community relations manager at The Banks Group.

Banks Renewables set up the community fund as part of its development of the Penny Hill Wind Farm near Ulley and has now handed over £100,000.

The fund will provide over £500,000 of funding over the 25-year lifespan of the wind farm, which equates to more than £20,000 every year, and is ring-fenced to support community projects within the parishes of Aston, Thurcroft, Treeton, Ulley and Whiston.

Beneficiaries so far include Thurcroft Welfare Community Hall, Ulley Sailing Club, Whiston Parish Council, Treeton Community Centre and the Friends of Ulley Country Park.

Grants are allocated by Banks in conjunction with a local funding committee which includes representatives from the five nearest parish councils.

Banks said it was seeking further grant applications from across the local community.

Community relations manager Lewis Stokes said: “The funding committee meets every few months and we’re always on the lookout for new ideas for how the Penny Hill fund can meet community priorities, so would urge any local groups to get their ideas and applications to us as soon as possible.”

Projects, community groups, or voluntary organisations in the vicinity of the Penny Hill Wind Farm which are looking for a grant of up to £3,000 should contact James Eaglesham at the Banks Community Fund on 0191 378 6342 for further information.