Funding available for Ladock community groups

Client PR, Green Trust CIC / No Comments

Community groups in Ladock have the chance to secure funding for projects thanks to the success of their pioneering local energy co-operative.

Low Carbon Ladock, which was one of the first local community energy co-operatives in the UK to set up, is calling for applications from members and local organisations for the second round of community funding this year.

Low Carbon Ladock director, Jenny Kwee, said: “Our rules specify that we spend our income on items that have local economic, social or environmental benefit. Ideally it will support all three.

“Our recent survey results indicate that people in the area want to prioritise alleviation of fuel poverty, making homes, businesses and community building more energy efficient and installing micro-renewables on homes and businesses to generate green energy and income for the community.

“Already this year we funded two sets of solar photo-voltaic panels on local homes, supported the refurbishment of Grampound Road playing field and pledged investment for the planned traffic calming scheme in Ladock.”

After receiving a one-off Government funding award in 2009 eight houses, Grampound Road and Ladock village halls, two pubs and three other local businesses were selected for energy saving and renewable energy measures.

These included the installation of 12 Sets of solar PV panels and five sets of solar thermal panels; two biomass boilers; two ground source heat pumps; two air source heat pumps; the insulation of four buildings and the a 20kW wind turbine installed on a farmers field.

Householders and community buildings benefit from lower energy bills, whilst the feed-in tariff income goes back to the co-operative. The installations generate around £11,000 each year for the community fund to be re-invested in local projects.

One of the 12 solar PV installations has resulted a saving of 50 percent in energy bills.

The Low Carbon Ladock Co-operative is pioneering an approach to tackling the challenges of rising energy bills and climate change that is now being adopted by communities across Cornwall.

Membership of the co-operative is open to anyone living or working in the parish, and costs just £2.

Closing dates for bids by Christmas and can be submitted in writing to Chris Jones at Woodland Valley Farm, Ladock, TR2 4PT or by email to Jones-farm@btconnect.com.

PR Cornwall

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