24 October 2005 00:00 Central Networks offers communities in the Midlands funding to sparkle and shine this Christmas

‘tis the season to be jolly and, while Christmas may be a little while off yet, Central Networks is inviting parish councils in the Midlands to apply for funding of up to £2,500 for Christmas lights and decorations.

The electricity distribution company for central England has a total fund of £20,000 to offer communities and their parish councils to light up village greens and decorate town halls across the region.

Central Networks Customer Operations Manager Phil Wilson said: “By offering parish councils the special funding, we hope to spread some festive cheer this season.

“We’d encourage them to come forward and apply for the money, which can then be used to either put up all new festive lights and decorations or to add to the displays they already have.”

All interested parish councils have to do is fill out a simple application form and tell Central Networks why they would like the support.

The one-off grant can be used to partially cover or totally pay for new or replacement Christmas lights and decorations.
Applications forms are available on Central Networks’ website www.central-networks.co.uk or by calling 01332 393802. The deadline for requests is November 14th with the winning councils finding out the good news a week after the closing date.

“Christmas is a time when communities can come together and enjoy their village or town trimmed up for the festive period,” said Phil.

“We hope our funding will go someway to help some of our local communities sparkle and shine a little brighter this year.”

Ends
Radio interview opportunity:
From Monday 24th October
ISDN line available for interviews with Jim Lightfoot or company spokesperson Rebecca Middleton.

Notes to editors:
• Central Networks is the new name for Midlands Electricity and East Midlands Electricity. The company brings power to 4.8 million customers across the East and West Midlands through 133,000km of underground and overhead cables and via almost 97,000 substations;
• Central Networks covers an area from the Peak District in the north to parts of Bristol in the south, and from the Welsh Borders to the Lincolnshire Coast.

For further information and pictures contact:
Rebecca Middleton on 024 7642 5779
Out of hours, call 024 7642 4000 and ask for the duty press officer