Bristol Airport local community fund takes off

£88,900 donated to local parishes 

2013-04-15 — /travelprnews.com/ — A fund set up to benefit the local community around Bristol Airport has donated over £88,900 to a variety of projects and initiatives, in its first 12 months.

The Airport Environmental Improvement Fund was set up in 2012 as one of the commitments the Airport agreed to provide in connection with its planning permission for development over the next decade.

Each year Bristol Airport contributes £100,000 to the Fund, with the figure increasing in line with future growth in passenger numbers. The Airport’s payment to the fund is supplemented with any penalties levied on aircraft operators that exceed the noise limits when flying in and out of the airport. The Fund’s Management Committee includes representatives from both the Airport and North Somerset Council and is independently chaired.

During the last year a total of nineteen projects received contributions ranging from £500 to £25,000. A variety of local initiatives were supported including an improved footpath in Winford, play equipment for Cleeve Kids’ Corner, A Diamond Jubilee Tree Planting project in Felton, a farm project at Court de Wyck Primary School and a puffin crossing on the A370 in Backwell.

Recently completed projects include a new footpath on a section of the A38 by Barrow Gurney providing local residents with a pedestrian access to a newly created Flyer bus stop. The Flyer is the frequent dedicated bus service for journeys between Bristol and the Airport. The route includes stops in South Bristol, Temple Meads railway station and Marlborough Street bus station.

Alan Davies, Planning and Environment Director at Bristol Airport, said:
“The Management Committee was delighted to approve grants to a range of projects in the local area over the last year. All initiatives have, or will, deliver benefits to the local community and residents thanks to the Fund’s contribution.”

The Fund’s purpose is to help mitigate the impact of the Airport’s operations and to give something back to surrounding communities who are situated in close proximity to the site. Projects which could be eligible for support include initiatives to mitigate the impact of aircraft and ground noise, improvements to transport infrastructure, measures to reduce community severance, nature conservation, educational projects and local sustainability initiatives. The Fund’s area of benefit includes the parishes of Winford, Wrington, Backwell, Brockley, Cleeve and Barrow Gurney.

For further information please contact the Bristol Airport Local Community Fund Administrator on 01275 473615 or email communityfund@bristolairport.com.

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