Green Towers Hinckley Club for Young People have been awarded a £150,000 grant for solar panels to help them to save money and better serve the local community.
The funding was made possible through the previous Conservative Government’s VCSE Energy Efficiency Scheme that has provided support to eligible frontline community organisations and charities through Independent Energy Assessments and the opportunity to apply for a grant to implement the identified energy saving measures.
This follows other recently secured grants for sports facilities in Hinckley and Bosworth such as £150,000 for new 3G pitches at Hinckley Rugby Football Club and £120,000 for solar panels and energy efficiency upgrades at Hinckley Leisure Centre.
Local Member of Parliament, Dr Luke Evans, supported Green Towers’ bid for funding and urged VCSE Energy Efficiency Scheme to consider the Club’s application as it would ensure “long-term viability and sustainability.”
Local young people aged eight to 18 are invited to become members, for the annual price of £10, or pay on a day-by-day basis (£1.50) for the youth clubs which run 6pm until 9pm Monday to Friday.
Activities on offer at Green Towers, based on Richmond Road in Hinckley, include rock climbing, fencing, kickboxing and roller skating as well as the ability to use the outdoor BMX and skate park, all equipment provided.
The administration of these funds is managed on behalf of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport by community charity, Groundwork. The scheme is funded as part of a package of over £100 million of support being delivered by the previous Conservative Government to help frontline delivery organisations with increased energy costs.
Donna Cox, Operations Manager at Green Towers Hinckley Club for Young People, said “Our electricity bill had gone up astronomically over the past couple of years and we were worried about the future of Green Towers, but this funding helps to secure the future of the Club for the next 25 years and will reduce our carbon footprint by over 125,000kW per year!
“Over 2,000 people come to us each week to meet friends, exercise and use the equipment we have on site. This £150,000 grant will keep Green Towers going for people across Hinckley and the villages to use and enjoy for many years to come.”
Dr Luke Evans, Member of Parliament for Hinckley and Bosworth, said “Since becoming MP for our area I have been able to see first-hand the positive impact that Green Towers has in our community. This grant ensures people, and future generations, across Hinckley and Bosworth can continue to enjoy everything Green Towers has to offer.
“The Club offers sporting opportunities, as well as cultural and creative opportunities, and is a much-loved social space for people to meet and form lasting friendships.
“I urge anyone – no matter your age – to see what’s on offer at Green Towers if you’re looking for something new and fun to do.”
For more information on the club either call Green Towers on 01455 230468 or visit their website https://greentowers.co.uk/about-your-club/
