09 August 2006 00:00 Central Networks, delighted by response to new community fund for the Midlands, urges more groups to apply for cash

Central Networks, the electricity distribution company for central England, is encouraging interested communities across the Midlands to apply for cash to build better and safer local environments before the first round of applications is judged in the second week of September.

Central Networks, which is part of E.ON UK, launched a new £70K Safer Environment Fund in July as part of its commitment to work with the communities it serves. It has already received a good number of applications for its new community fund but wants more groups to come forward with ideas.

Customer Operations Manager Phil Wilson said: “We called on the local community to inspire us with their ideas and so far the response has been fantastic.

“We’ve had groups from across the county apply for support for a range of community schemes, all of which are designed to have a lasting and positive effect on the local environment.”

The fund is open to communities across the Midlands and all local groups and not for profit organisations with their own bank account are eligible to apply for a grant of up to £2,500.

Central Networks is currently considering a wide range of applications, covering everything from improving safety in a children’s playground to building a nature reserve on waste ground.

Phil said: “We want groups in the area to put on their thinking caps and send us their inspiring applications. Time is running out and we don’t want communities to miss out.”

For more information and to download an application form visit www.central-networks.co.uk.

Ends

Notes to editors:
• Central Networks is the new name for Midlands Electricity and East Midlands Electricity. The company brings power to 4.9 million customers across central England 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:
Ellie King 024 7618 3678
A selection of E.ON UK images are available free of charge to the media by registering at www.newscast.co.uk and looking under the Distribution section