Is your club or group in West Somerset planning a project that might need a helping hand with funding? If so, the Hinkley Point C Community Impact Mitigation (CIM) fund may be able to help.
The fund was launched three weeks ago and is now open for applications – just go to the website: www.westsomersetonline.gov.uk/CIM
The CIM fund was negotiated with EDF Energy as part of a wider mitigation package for the site preparatory works at Hinkley Point, which were approved by Conservative-led West Somerset Council in January 2012.
The early phases of preparatory works were started that year and now phase two is under way which involves preparing the land for the new nuclear power station.
Initially during this phase of the preparatory works £3.5 million will be available for communities most affected by the work. From the fund £2 million will be allocated in West Somerset with a further £1.5 million allocated in Sedgemoor district – specifically £500,000 to Cannington and £1 million to Bridgwater.
A separate £500,000 is being specifically allocated to Stogursey as the host parish for the site preparation works.
£24,000 has already been reserved specifically for projects that need small grants of up to £1,000.
“We are keen to hear from groups that are looking for funding – no project is too small to benefit,” said Conservative Councillor Tim Taylor, Leader of West Somerset Council. “We want the fund used positively and sensibly for the benefit of local communities.”