Wind farm cash gives town groups major lift
COMMUNITY groups across the Valley have been boosted by grant funding from wind farm projects.
Fifteen groups have received funding from the Crook Hill Community Benefit Fund, and four groups have received funding from the Reaps Moss Community Benefit Fund.
The Crook Hill wind farm project is committed to providing an annual fund of approximately £35,000, launched in 2015, for community projects covering a 5km area from the wind farm site.
Whitworth Sports Council took the largest individual grant award of £10,000 this year to help transform Leavengreave Playing Field. A grant of £1,878 also went towards a defibrillator at the Riverside.
Whitworth Historical Society will be improving their outdoor space, 1st Whitworth Guides have purchased new camping equipment and Whitworth Playgroup will be purchasing new outdoor sports and play equipment thanks to the fund.
Whitworth Town Council has also been funded to help deliver its Civic Sunday procession and Rushcart Festival, and next April’s St George’s Day celebrations.
Liz Payne, manager of the fund, said: “This is the second year the fund has been running and I’m really pleased to see such a variety of projects being supported. I’d encourage local groups to get in touch and see if they too could access grant support for their community project.” Hastings, who manage the Reaps Moss wind farm on the moors between Bacup and Todmorden, have committed to distributing £10,000 each year for the expected 20 to 25-year lifetime of the wind farm.
Groups around Bacup have been spending their grant money to enhance their day-today operations. Bacup Cricket Club received £2,052 to help support both their junior and senior coaching programme during the 2017 season.
Acre Mill Baptist Church has used £250 to purchase new toys and equipment for their popular mums and tots group.
Moorlands Park also received £2,024 to enable Rossendale Borough Council to improve the sunken garden area.
Rossendale United Junior Football Club has kicked off the football season in style with new goalposts at their home The Glen.
To apply for the Crook Hill fund visit www. grantscape.org.uk or contact fund manager Liz Payne on 01282 543775.