‘Cut running costs and help the environment’ is the message being put out by Eastleigh Borough Council. Working alongside the Environment Centre (tEC) in Southampton to provide an advisory service for organisations managing community buildings in the Borough. At least 11 local Community Groups will be getting free advice and assistance that will reduce running costs on their buildings as well as help the environment. The Borough Council is also offering the opportunity for two groups to apply for a £10,000 Energy Grant that would see sustainable/renewable energy equipment such as solar water heating installed into their buildings.

The grant would be provided by the Borough of Eastleigh Energy Project (BEEP), which is intended to encourage sustainable design within the Borough. The successful grant winners would become an example to businesses within both the Borough and the County.

Bev Stanley, Sustainability Policy Co-ordinator at Eastleigh said, “The Council are adding extra resources to an existing energy advice service provided by our partners at the Environment Centre in Southampton. An advisor will visit each building to give advice and to help the group apply for any grants and other assistance that is available. If the building is suitable, the advisor will also encourage and help the organisation to apply for the BEEP sustainable/renewable energy grants”. Bev has added that a great deal of interest has been expressed in the project; however, as resources are limited, the number of buildings that can be visited may have to be limited. Applications for the £10,000 Energy Grant must be with the Borough Council by 31 July 2004. Suitable community groups should arrange an initial visit soon.