Funding for Dumfries and Galloway communities

The money has been granted to Dumfries and Galloway Council to support the community during the coronavirus pandemic.

The funds will be administered on the council’s behalf by the Safe and Healthy Action Partnership (SHAP) and will be given to day centres in Annan; Ecclefechan; Moffat; Langholm and Gretna. Kates Kitchen, Annandale and Eskdale Food Train, Aberlour Trust and Newstart Recycle will also benefit.

The funding forms part of the 12 grants, worth £300,000 in total, Magnox has made available to local authorities or charities where a Magnox site is located.

Gwen Parry-Jones, Magnox Chief Executive, said:

Many community groups are carrying out positive work, supporting the most vulnerable in their areas. This work is vital, and a key part of Magnox’s response to COVID-19 is to help other organisations deal with the pandemic wherever we can.

In this time of national crisis, Magnox has agreed with the NDA that we should make available up to £25,000 at each site from the Magnox Socio-economic Scheme for use by local community groups on COVID-19 related activities. Magnox is committed to assisting the communities surrounding our sites, as our communities have supported us for over 50 years, and we hope this funding will go some way to supporting the essential work being delivered.

Elaine Lamont, Public Health Practitioner and Chair of the SHAP said: “There is some absolutely amazing work happening across Annandale and Eskdale to provide vital support to people who may be struggling during these challenging times. This funding will provide some extra help to our local services and community groups so that they can continue to reach out and provide a crucial lifeline to those in greatest need.”

Council Leader Elaine Murray said: “The Covid-19 emergency is clearly an unprecedented challenge for us all. Our Council is committed to supporting vulnerable people in our community. This funding from Magnox to help people in Annandale and Eskdale is very welcome and I would like thank them for their generous contribution. It will make a significant contribution to the local agencies striving to look after vulnerable people in difficult circumstances.”

Deputy Leader Rob Davidson added: “Magnox has been a long-standing supporter of its local community in Annandale and Eskdale. This contribution is very much appreciated as the council and partner agencies work tirelessly to ensure that vulnerable people are looked after during the Covid-19 crisis.”