Blyth residents and community groups invited to share in £1m fund
Charites and community groups in the Blyth area are being invited to have their say in how a potential £1m fund will be spent.
National Grid has launched a consultation for people in Blyth, East Bedlington and Cambois, and surrounding areas to help shape a proposed Community Fund – worth up to £1.06m - after plans for the first phase of the Blyth Substation project were approved.
With main construction work expected to start in February, the four-week consultation – which will run until Sunday December 6 – local people, charities, community groups and organisations are being asked about their priorities and where funding could make the greatest difference.
The consultation follows National Grid securing all the necessary consents for the first phase of work at Blyth Substation.
Leon Fussell, senior project manager at National Grid, said: “We are pleased to secure planning permission for phase one of the project which will help provide the capacity needed to meet future electricity demand in the area and support
economic growth across the region.
“We now want to hear from as many local people and organisations as possible during our community fund consultation.
“The Blyth Substation Community Fund represents a significant opportunity to support local communities in Northumberland, and it is important that the funding reflects the needs and priorities of the people who live and work in the area.
“We encourage everyone to give their views on how this funding could make the biggest difference.”
As part of The Great Grid Upgrade, National Grid is delivering upgrades at Blyth Substation to connect new customers to the network and help meet future energy needs.
The project will be delivered in two phases, with phase one involving extending the existing substation to provide an initial connection for the Cambois Data Centre Campus.
Phase two proposes building a new substation nearby to provide additional capacity for the data centre campus and to connect the proposed Berwick Bank offshore wind farm.
The fund could provide up to £1.06 million - with £530,000 allocated to each phase of the project.
National Grid is seeking feedback on four proposed funding themes.
*Adult employment, skills and opportunities.
*Health and wellbeing.
*Education and young people.
*Environment and place.
National Grid is staging two community events this month where residents and local organisations can meet the project team and share their views.
They will take place on Saturday November 21, from 10am-6pm, at the Blyth Christmas Lights Switch On, in Market Place and Saturday 28 November 28, from 10am to 3pm, at East Bedlington Community Centre Christmas Fayre, in Station Road,
Bedlington.
An online webinar will take place on Tuesday November 17 at 6.30pm, so people can learn more about the Community Fund and how to participate.
Residents can visit the project website to register.
National Grid will also be engaging with local community organisations, elected representatives and parish councils.
It is expected that the Community Fund will be launched next summer.
Residents and organisations can share their views by completing the online survey at www.nationalgrid.com/blythsubstation.
The deadline for feedback is Sunday December 6.