Helping the district be greener faster
Winchester City Council has awarded funding for the installation of solar panels on a village hall’s roof.
The Itchen Abbas and Avington Village Hall applied for the funding for solar panels as part of its sustainability efforts and to reduce energy bills. The charity, managed by volunteers, raised more than £10,000 from both Crowdfunder and a grant of £4000 from Winchester City Council.
The funding was provided from the council’s Greener Futures Fund via crowdfunder which was open for applications earlier this year.
Cllr Kelsie Learney, Cabinet Member for Climate Emergency, said:
“The city council has made a commitment to go greener faster and we’re very pleased to be able to help support businesses and community organisations to not only lower their carbon footprint but save them money too. Itchen Abbas and Avington Village Hall’s solar panel project is an excellent example of how this funding can be used and we’re proud to have supported it."
Christopher Langford, Chair of Itchen Abbas and Avington Village Hall, said:
“The Winchester City Council Greener Futures Fund operated through Crowdfunder has supported us to raise the money to put solar panels on the roof of our village hall this will help with future hire charges to benefit the local community.”
The council has other grant initiatives available for community organisations and businesses to become greener. LoCase (low carbon across the south and East) funding can be applied for until April and businesses and organisations can get guidance and support to apply via their partner Meercat www.meercatassociates.com/winchester. Grants can cover 40% of expenditure.