Free help to tackle energy bills for community halls

RDP Sir Gâr’s Zero Carbon Future (ZCF) project is carrying out free energy efficiency surveys on community halls in rural Carmarthenshire a bid to save them money and energy.

An essential facility for many rural villages and towns, Community halls host social, fitness and learning activities for all ages throughout the county and act as a meeting place for many local groups. Most are run by dedicated groups of volunteers, but running costs can be expensive.

With energy prices soaring, old inefficient heating systems and expensive lighting are pushing these costs up and putting these Halls at risk.

ZCF officer Paul Thomas said “With the wave of new green technologies we can tackle this issue and future proof our facilities. Following an assessment we provide a report including details of recommended improvements and potential funding to implement them through schemes such as the Green Deal.”

Zero Carbon Future, part of the RDP Sir Gâr Innovative Hubs project, is funded through the Rural Development Plan (RDP) for Wales 2007-2013 which is funded by the Welsh Government and the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development. Focussing on the environment, ZCF aims to deliver innovative solutions and projects which tackle climate change by reducing our carbon footprint.

So far Llanboidy Market Hall, Pontyates Welfare Hall and St Peters Civic Hall have been assessed for ways to make them more energy efficient and reduce their bills.

For further information and details of how to register an interest for your community hall’s free survey, please contact Paul Thomas on 01269 871600 or email: Paul@mentercwmgwendraeth.org.uk