Community Members needed to help set up Ray Wind Farm Community Fund.

26th Feb 2016

Vattenfall, the Hexham based energy company is calling on local residents to get involved in the multi-million pound Ray Wind Farm Community Fund Steering Group,

The consultation for the 16-turbine Ray Wind Farm community fund, (which is being led by CAN), is now well under way. The next stage of the process is to form a steering group of local people. Working alongside Vattenfall, the role of this group will be to develop a vision for the fund, drawing on the findings of the consultation, and to establish appropriate governance to manage the fund once it opens in early 2017.

Vattenfall, the wind farm developer and operator have pledged an index linked annual investment of over £250,000 for the lifetime of the wind farm near Kirkwhelpington. If the wind farm generates green power for the next 25 years, the community will see a total investment of over £6 million.

It is envisaged that Bavington, Birtley, Corsenside, Elsdon and Kirkwhelpington Parish Councils will each nominate one representative to the steering group. In addition five more lay representatives will be recruited through an interview process, ideally one from each of these parishes, chosen to achieve a broad range of experience and views from across the area.

Paul Nickless, Construction Director, Vattenfall said: “I am delighted with the feedback and ideas that we have received to date from the local community.  I hope that members of the community apply to get involved with the steering group to ensure that their area gets the widest possible benefit from the £250,000 annual fund.”

Andy Dean, Chief Executive of Community Action Northumberland said “This is a great opportunity for passionate local people to help steer how these significant funds are utilised to create maximum benefit.”

If you would like to apply to be a part of the steering group, you can download background information, a role description and application form here.  The deadline for application is 31st March 2016

For more information contact Julia Plinston via info@ca-north.org.uk or by tel:  01670 517178