A TOTAL of £2,300,000 was distributed among local community projects during 2013 by the Veolia North Thames Trust (VNTT).
Formed last April, the Trust supported 91 various initiatives across south east Essex including environmental projects, schools and churches, sports clubs and historic buildings.
Projects in Thurrock included: – £100,000 for improved facilities at Coalhouse Fort £16,000 for window repairs at the historic church of St Michael’s, Fobbing £8,318 for a watering system at Springhouse Bowls Club £4,968 for a climbing wall for East Tilbury Scouts.
Pastor Bob Sullivan of Corringham Baptist church, which received £6,285 for a front patio area, said, “This project is the most outward sign to local people that the church is open and available to them. We thank VNTT for supporting us in this valued community work”. 2013 was an important year for VNTT. It was formed in April through the merger of the Veolia Havering Riverside, Mardyke and Pitsea Marshes Trusts – a move that was welcomed by local MPs and places the Trust in the UK’s “Top 10” of Distributive Environmental Bodies (DEBs).
It also celebrated 15 years of the three original Trusts working within the local community at an event attended by various VIPs and which was addressed by Rt Hon Baroness Smith of Basildon. Trustee and Thurrock Councillor Charlie Curtis said, “It’s been a fantastic start for the Trust and it’s wonderful to be able to help so many great projects.
“All the trustees are constantly amazed by the commitment and dedication of so many people in the community who give up their time to help improve the area”.
Doug Benjafield, Chair of VNTT, said, “The Trust is already benefitting from the pooling of skills and experience that existed in the three individual Trusts and is well-placed to rise to the challenges and opportunities with which we will be presented during 2014. We look forward to continuing our work throughout the coming year.”
