Funding from Oldbury Power Station owners Magnox to support community-led projects across South Gloucestershire during the Covid-19 pandemic has been welcomed by local Conservatives.
A successful bid for funding by South Gloucestershire to the organisation was made earlier this year, with Magnox having now confirmed that more than £9,000 would be distributed between:
· Oldbury Community Shop – £2,800 for PPE, tables and chairs for waiting customers to use as well as umbrellas and pull out awning for shelter against the weather.
· Thornbury High Street - £3,612 for two 2m benches to enable those who need to rest a means to do so while social distancing.
· Thornbury, Patchway and Bristol NW Foodbanks - £2,200 for food with a further £800 to Patchway Foodbank for distribution costs from August to December.
Cllrs Matthew Riddle and Keith Burchell, who represent the Severn Vale Ward, including Oldbury on Severn, said: “We are delighted that this funding has been awarded to support the volunteer-run Oldbury Community Shop which has proven to be a lifeline to many local residents during the Covid pandemic period. The funding for an awning to shelter shoppers from poor weather as we approach autumn will make a big difference to social distancing.
“We are also pleased that funding has been allocated to Thornbury Foodbank which continues to serve not only Thornbury, but also the surrounding small communities, brilliantly during these trying times.”
Cllrs Jo Buddharaju, Brian Hopkinson and Sanjay Shambhu, who represent the Charlton and Cribbs Ward, including parts of Patchway, said: “We want to thank Magnox for the funding they are providing Patchway Foodbank on behalf of local residents, including to assist with the additional distribution costs as a result of the pandemic.
“It is a vital service which has needed even more support following the Covid outbreak, so we are grateful this bid has been successful.”
