A WIND farm has generated £200,000 for community groups in the last eight years.

The ESB West Durham Wind Farm, at Tow Law, in County Durham, has given the money to more than 40 community projects since 2010.

The latest project to be given funds is Hamsteels Community Centre, in Esh Winning, which got £6,000 to improve its storage facilities and to fit a new window.

Rhoda Makepeace, secretary of the community association which runs the centre said: “Being able to provide a new window to create better lighting and better storage space has given the local people the opportunity to socialise and interact with their community.

“This is significantly important for the older residents and those who live alone. The investment alone proves to local people the worth of the centre which acts as a marketing tool within itself, encouraging users to access the building, and the services and initiatives available within it.”

The fund was set up eight years ago, with a special focus on helping projects within a 10-mile radius of the wind farm site.

Paul Lally, stakeholder officer for the wind farm, said: “We are committed to being a good neighbour, supporting the communities in which we operate and helping them reach their full potential. In making this fund available to groups close to West Durham Wind Farm, we are contributing to development of essential infrastructure and services, and the creation of a brighter future for residents of its neighbouring rural communities.

“The funding towards the improvement of Hamsteels Community Centre is a clear example of the impact this type of funding can generate; making it possible to maintain and improve a facility that is obviously integral to so many local community groups.”

The funds are awarded through County Durham Community Foundation.

James Eaglesham, from the foundation, said: “The Hamsteels Community Centre is entirely run by volunteers who dedicate a tremendous amount of time and energy to ensuring local people and the wider community have continuing access to a community facility of this type.

“We’re pleased funding is able to help secure the long-term future of such a valuable community resource”