VIRIDOR and Tilbury Green Power (TGP), alongside demolition contractor Hughes & Salvidge,
are proud to support the Thurrock community by making donations to three vital local
charities – Thurrock Foodbank, Kids Bank HQ and Friends of Treetops School. These
contributions reflect the collective commitment of the three organisations to giving back to
the communities surrounding Viridor’s Thameside Energy Recovery Facility (ERF) project,
which is currently under construction.
Viridor, TGP, and Hughes & Salvidge each play a key role in the Thameside ERF project and
are committed to being good neighbours to the communities near to the site and recognise
the importance of supporting local initiatives that provide essential services to Thurrock
residents. TGP operates the biomass facility next door and is keen to remain involved in the
local community for its lifetime, while Hughes & Salvidge prepared the Thameside site for
construction.
Each of the selected charities plays a crucial role in improving the lives of individuals and
families in need:
- Thurrock Foodbank: Provides emergency food supplies to those facing financial
hardship, Thurrock Foodbank ensures that local individuals and families do not go
hungry. With the cost-of-living crisis impacting many, their work has never been more
essential. - Kids Bank HQ: Focused on supporting children and families experiencing poverty,
Kids Bank HQ supplies clothing, toys, and other necessities to those in need. By
ensuring that children have access to essential items, the charity helps to alleviate
financial strain on struggling families. - Friends of Treetops School: This organisation supports Treetops School, a
specialist school for children with learning difficulties and additional needs. The
charity provides funding for resources, equipment, and activities that enhance the
educational experience of its students. - Viridor’s Construction Manager Shaun Tottman went to visit two of the charities to see the
important work the staff are undertaking for the community. Despite the Foodbank’s main
hub being small, they service ten distribution points across the Thurrock region and have
over 150 volunteers. Not only do they distribute food, but they also look to engage with
people on an individual level to understand their circumstances and provide them with
additional support. Kids Bank HQ has directed the money donated by Viridor towards baby
care, buying nappies, wipes and formula to distribute to local families. - “It was great to visit the charities and see how donations can help contribute to their work.
Viridor is committed to working alongside the communities in which we operate, both during
the construction phase of the Thameside ERF and once it becomes operational,” said Shaun
Tottman, Construction Manager at Viridor. “We recognise the incredible work they do and are
proud to contribute to their efforts.” - Viridor, TGP and Hughes & Salvidge are keen to continue to support local charities during
the duration of the construction process, and into the facilities’ operation, set to be in 2028.
In addition to charitable donations, they are actively exploring further ways to support the
local community, including employment opportunities and is looking to work with local
schools. - Construction is underway for the Thameside ERF, which will be a new Energy from Waste
(EfW) facility recovering energy from residual black bad (non-recycled) waste. The facility
will treat up to 350,000 tonnes of waste annually, generating enough energy to power the
equivalent of 93,000 homes. As Viridor continues to develop the facility, the company
remains dedicated to ensuring that Thurrock residents’ benefit from its presence. - For more information about Viridor and the Thameside Energy Recovery Facility, please visit
https://viridor.co.uk/energy/energy-recovery-facilities/thameside-erf/.
