RWE Innogy UK has started the next round of the North Hoyle Offshore Wind Farm Community Fund, awarding nine local groups and charities with grants totalling over GBP 20,000.
The North Hoyle Community Fund will invest over GBP 1.5 million into local community activities and projects over the lifetime of the wind farm. The fund benefits the communities of Rhyl, Prestatyn & Meliden.
This recent round of funding include the charity Contact the Elderly who have been awarded GBP 2,000 to fund various activities aimed at combating social isolation. Friends of Prestatyn Railway Station have received a grant of GBP 3,000 which will be used to install gates and provide disabled access to the station. Sports groups have also benefited with Prestatyn Community Table Tennis Club and Meliden Football Club receiving GBP 1,500 and GBP 1,000 respectively.
Katy Woodington, RWE Innogy UK’s Senior Community Investment Officer, said: “It’s exciting to see these awards come through and especially rewarding to see the wind farm support so many varied groups within the local community. The North Hoyle Offshore Wind Farm Community Fund is a fantastic opportunity for organisations at the heart of the local community to develop tailor-made projects. I encourage any groups interested in applying to the scheme, to find out more.”
North Hoyle is located 4-5 miles off the North Wales coast between Rhyl and Prestatyn and comprises 30 wind turbines, each rated at 2 megawatts. The wind farm was built in 2003 and declared fully operational in July 2004.