COMMUNITY groups in the Clacton area are being urged to bid for money to help residents living in the shadow of five 125-metre-high turbines.

Voluntary organisations in St Osyth, Little Clacton and Clacton’s Bockings Elm ward have been invited to apply for grants to pay for activities in their areas.

The cash is part of the Earls Hall Farm Community Benefit Fund, which was set up last year to help residents following the construction of the massive turbines at Earls Hall Farm, off St John’s Road.

The Essex Community Foundation, an independent charitable trust, is managing the community benefit fund and a panel, made up of local residents, will work with them consider the applications for grants.

Caroline Taylor, programmes director, said the panel is particularly interested in supporting voluntary organisations needing small grants to enable them to make a big difference in their community.

“This fund was established to support local community projects so we would encourage organisations working in this area to apply for grants which will make a difference to the lives of local people,” she said.

“The panel is a great resource in helping us to understand local needs and issues and where to direct the available funding and we are always interested to hear from residents who would like to contribute.“

Applications must be submitted to the Essex Community Foundation by mid-February, following which the panel will make its decisions in March.

Anyone who would like to discuss making an application can call the grants team on 01245 356018.

Residents who would like to join the panel should call Fran Wright on 01245 356018.