The Fund – launched in spring 2018 – was originally set at £50,000. However, following receipt of so many high quality applications and to celebrate the fund’s inaugural year, SUEZ agreed to add another £25,000 to the pot.

Community groups and charities operating in Northwood, Cherryfield, Shevington, Whitefield and Knowsley Village were invited to apply for funds to support community, health and wellbeing and environmental projects.

Funds have been allocated to twelve good causes in and around Kirkby, including: £5,000 for the Big Help Project, a local charity aimed at alleviating food poverty; £10,500 Mental Matters, a project designed to improve the mental health of local residents; and £17,500 for Greening Northwood, an environmental improvement programme to improve Northwood’s streets by planting trees. (Please see Appendix 1 for a full list of all the successful applicants.)

The Fund was part of the agreement with Merseyside Energy Recovery Limited (MERL) who have been appointed by Merseyside Recycling and Waste Authority (MRWA) to treat Merseyside and Halton Borough Council’s residual waste. SUEZ recycling and recovery UK (SUEZ) is both one of the shareholders in MERL and the operator of the service. MERL and SUEZ recognise that they have an important part to play in the local community and this Fund will help to fulfil their responsibilities as a good neighbour.

The fund announcements were made at the official opening of the new Visitor Centre at the Rail Transfer Loading Station on the Knowsley Industrial Estate. MRWA’s Chairperson, Councillor Tony Concepcion and Councillor Louise Harbour, MRWA and Knowsley Councillor, declared the centre open. Community groups can now book a visit and find out what happens to Merseyside and Halton’s residual household waste and how it is used to generate enough electricity to power over 63,000 homes – waste that would otherwise be sent to landfill.

Speaking at the opening of the new Visitor Centre, Andrew Hughes, Contract Manager at SUEZ said: “We are delighted to be announcing the first round of awards today. We received so many applications from some really outstanding projects – I’m so glad that we have been able to increase the amount for this year to get the new fund off to a flying start!”

Find out more about the fund, successful applicants or the new Visitor Centre.

• Charities
• Community groups
• Good causes
• Kirkby Neighbourhood Community Fund
• Merseyside Energy Recovery Limited

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