Citizens Advice awarded grant from wind farm community fund

The Citizens Advice Bureau is to get a major cash boost from an offshore wind farm community fund to support training for volunteers in Herne Bay.

Also receiving awards from the Kentish Flats Extension Community Fund were Herne Bay Pier Trust, Herne Bay Coastal Community Team and from Whitstable, Nature’s Gym.

The fund is jointly managed by Vattenfall, the operator of Kentish Flats Extension Offshore Wind Farm, and Canterbury City Council.

But £45,000 remains unallocated to Whitstable so a call has been made to organisations in Whitstable to apply for the outstanding cash.

Melanie Rogers, Vattenfall’s Local Liaison Officer in Whitstable and Herne Bay, said: “It’s really pleasing that Vattenfall’s wind farm community fund has been able to support some very worthy causes in Herne Bay and Whitstable. It’s important that wind power doesn’t just benefit the environment but that local people’s stake in local, green power is recognised by funds like this. I would like to thank Canterbury City Council and the Herne Bay and Whitstable Area Member Panels for the support in distributing these awards.”

Andy Maysey, Chair of Herne Bay Citizens Advice Bureau, said: “Citizens Advice is delighted to be chosen to receive this generous grant from Vattenfall and is pleased to support this initiative which will benefit local people.”

Robert Jones, Councillor for Herne and Broomfield ward, Canterbury City Council, said: “It is great to see an international company like Vattenfall are able to invest in such a valuable local service as the CAB and also supporting both the Herne bay Pier trust and Herne Bay Coastal Community Team in their work to develop Herne bay as a Tourist destination.”

Stephen Bartley, Chair of  Whitstable  Area Member  Panel, said: “Groups like Nature's Gym have shown how this money can make a long term difference to people's lives. I'd encourage any local groups, looking to provide a lasting community benefit to apply, and take advantage of this great opportunity."

Since 2010, Vattenfall has invested more than £1mn to good causes through community benefit funds around the UK.