Groups in Margam urged to apply to new community fund

Community groups in the ward of Margam are set to benefit from an annual community fund of £17,500 for the 20 year lifetime of a new wood fired power station that is under construction on land adjacent to Harbour Way in Margam.

The Margam Community Benefit Fund has been established by Margam Green Energy Limited, which is owned by Glennmont Partners, a UK-based clean energy investor with interests in renewable energy projects elsewhere in the UK and across Europe.

The fund, which is managed by Neath Port Talbot Council, is now open to receive applications from groups based in the Ward of Margam.

Margam Green Energy Limited is providing the funding to promote inward investment and to support community facilities and activities in the local area.

Applications are invited from constituted community/voluntary or not for profit organisations. The Community Benefit Fund will look to support projects that have a positive impact upon health and recreation, education, environment, culture, energy efficiency and the local economy within the Ward of Margam. Grant requests can be made for funding between £500 and £3,000.

Neath Port Talbot Council Leader, Cllr Ali Thomas said: “We are delighted to announce the launch of the new Margam Community Benefit Fund that will allow community groups in Margam to make a real difference in their area”.

When it opens in 2017, the £160m power station will generate enough electricity to power approximately 75,000 homes in the region and will directly employ 30 people.

Up to 400 people will also be employed during the construction phase, which started last year.

Peter Dickson, Director of Glennmont Partners, the owners of the Margam Green Energy plant said: “The Community Fund enables community groups in Margam and the immediate area to benefit from the scheme. Supporting the communities in which we operate is an important element of Glennmont’s business philosophy.”

“The Margam plant is a long-term, multi-million pound investment into the local economy, and it will help meet the country’s renewable energy targets whilst also strengthening the country’s energy security.”

Application forms and guidance notes are available from Neath Port Talbot Council, Project Development and Funding Unit, Port Talbot Civic Centre. 01639 763552 / 763390.