20 September 2006 00:00 Central Networks urges community groups across the Midlands to apply for cash to build safer environments

Central Networks, the electricity distribution company for central England, has warned that community groups from across the Midlands could be missing out on its community cash fund.

The company, which is part of E.ON UK, launched its new £70K Safer Environment fund earlier this year as part of its commitment to work with the communities it serves.

Grants of up to £2,500 are on offer to groups across the Midlands and Central Networks is calling on local groups to come forward and apply for cash to build a safer environment.

Customer Operations Manager Phil Wilson said: “We’ve received over 40 applications so far and I’m delighted to say we have given away over £20,000 to a range of community groups across the Midlands.

“That said, I’m really disappointed that we only received a few applications from Hereford and Worcester, West Midlands, Coventry and Warwickshire, and Northamptonshire. The fund could make a real difference to the local community and I would urge more groups to come forward and apply for the community cash that’s on offer.”

The fund will support projects that will have a lasting and positive affect on the community’s environment. Winning applications have included a new path to improve access to a nature reserve, safety barriers for playgrounds and sports fields, and new facilities to improve disabled access to a village hall.

“We’re looking for groups to inspire us with their ideas for building a better community,” said Phil.

“What’s important to us is that these ideas will make a real difference to the places where our customers live and work.”

The fund is open to all local community groups and not for profit organisations with their own bank account located in the Central Networks distribution region, which covers central England. For more information and to download an application form visit www.central-networks.co.uk/sef.

Ends

• 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 contact:
Jamee Majid 02476 183679
Rebecca Middleton 02476 183677
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