Community fund for Abberton project

12/05/2006

Community groups can from today benefit from a new cash fund set up by Essex & Suffolk Water.

The Abberton Scheme Community Fund will support groups and organisations affected by the schedule of works to enlarge Abberton reservoir, which are due to start in 2009.

The reservoir is being increased in size to ensure that Essex has a sustainable supply of water for the future. The programme of works includes the upgrading of Layer treatment works and the installation of pipelines from Kirtling Green to Wixoe and Wormingford to Abberton.

With an endowed reserve of £75,000, the Community Fund will provide an annual income for the duration of the Abberton project to support environmental, social and charitable activities.

It is open to communities affected by the programme of works in the areas surrounding Abberton reservoir and along the pipeline routes.

Any voluntary or community organisation within the surrounding area of the Abberton scheme can apply for a grant as and when each area is affected by the works.  Further information on the timetable will be made available nearer to the 2009 start date.

The fund will be managed by Essex Community Foundation, an independent charitable trust which manages funds on behalf of individuals, companies and public agencies who want to support charitable and voluntary activity in Essex.

Jim Jenkins, Abberton programme manager said: “The aim of the fund is to provide an annual income for the duration of the project to support activities in the communities affected by the Abberton scheme. It is our way of saying thank you for the patience and co-operation of these communities.’

Four groups have so far benefitted from the fund:

• Peldon Village Hall Management Committee, Colchester.
   £400 for the purchase of four new folding tables.
• The Shoestring Theatre Company, Colchester.
   £300 towards the cost of purchasing two new stage lights.
• Layer Breton Parish Meeting.
   £500 for a bench on the local heath.               

• Abberton and Langenhoe Parent and Toddler Group.
   £458 for soft play equipment/low level tables and chairs

Under the fund, grants are not available for individuals, statutory or public bodies, general or national appeals, organisations that fall outside of the Abberton scheme works programme, commercial activities or religious and political appeals.

Application forms will be available in early 2009 from Essex Community Foundation on 01245 356018 or email: grants@essexcf.org.uk

For further information please contact Claire Bishop on 01245 212 010.