COMMUNITY groups in search of funding from a trust giving multi-million pounds out over the years, have been dealt a blow.

For 15 years, the Veolia North Thames Trust has given £55million worth of grants to projects and initiatives in need of financial support across Castle Point, Basildon, Thurrock and Havering.

However, the waste giant has confirmed the trust will no longer receive cash as part of the Government’s landfill tax credits scheme.

The money will now be centralised and handed out through the firm’s environmental trust – which means local causes are now be in competition with projects across the country.

Gary Baker, Trust Project Officer, insists that despite the announcement, the group will ensure that the 45 remaining projects it has approved will be completed.

He said: “It was a decision that has come from Veolia, and means that any projects in our area will have to go through Veolia’s Environmental Trust.

“I understand that 100 applications will be looked at in each quarter, and it obviously means there is a larger pool of causes looking to apply.

“We have about 45 projects which are still live, and will ensure we see those through to completion.”

One of the trust’s most prominent grants was £450,000 given to aid the refurbishment of the Waterside Farm Leisure Centre, in Somnes Avenue, on Canvey in April 2012.

It also paid £114,000 towards the refurbishment of the island’s skate park, next to the leisure centre and £150,000 to build a new clubhouse at Canvey Football Club.

Ray Howard, one the body’s 14 trustees, says he is disappointed by the news and is concerned that fewer local projects would benefit.

He said: “It’s a bombshell, and I am disappointed that the funding is to become centralised and there is a risk that people who depend on the money in this area could be excluded.

“I have been privileged to have been a trustee for many years, and the projects that the trust has helped to fund are magnificent. The West Canvey marshes are now in perpetuity to the public,thanks to the trust, when it looked like they would be built on. Waterside Farm Leisure Centre, CISCA House, and the skate park have both benefited tremendously too.

“The list goes on and I shall be appealing to Veolia to try and get them to reverse their decision.”

Robert Hunt, Veolia’s Chief Corporate Officer, insists the firm will still support south Essex projects.

He said: “Veolia remains committed to the North Thames region as we have a number of important sites and recognise the positive contribution they can be to the local area and its residents.”