Bristol Airport Local Community Fund grants over £1.1 million to local projects

In 2020 the management committee which oversees the Airport Environmental Improvement Fund (known at the Local Community Fund) granted over £93,000 to support 26 local community projects. 

Each year Bristol Airport contributes a minimum of £100,000 to the Local Community Fund, with the figure increasing in line with growth in passenger numbers.   The Fund’s Management Committee includes representatives from both the Airport and North Somerset Council and is independently chaired.

Last year a total of 26 projects were supported with contributions ranging from £300 to £10,000.  This included noise insulation grants for local residents; outdoor play area for West Leigh Infants School; electric adaptive bikes for Strawberry Line Café; Cleeve village hall facilities; and various road safety and traffic calming improvement schemes; support for Winford Community Shop and environmental and learning projects for local schools.

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 Airport.  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.

 

Councillor Steve Bridger said:

“I’m delighted the Community Fund was able to support such an inclusive local project run by such a passionate team. The two adaptive bikes for the Strawberrry Line café will enable those people with additional needs to experience the great outdoors and enjoy the company of others as the COVID restrictions are gradually relaxed.”

Councillor Steve Hogg said:

“I have been greatly encouraged by the number of applications for community funding recently. In particular, I welcome applications from groups who are supporting or promoting initiatives which will benefit local communities (festivals, environmental projects, schools etc) as we come out of the pandemic. The airport makes a significant impact on the lives and living environment of local people, and whilst the community fund cannot address that, it remains an important and viable way for local individuals and groups to secure much needed funding for the benefit of everyone who lives in the surrounding towns and villages.”

Jacqui Mills, Public and Community Relations Manager, Bristol Airport said:

“It is a fantastic achievement to grant over £1.1 million to local community projects in the vicinity of the Airport in recent years. 

“After what has been the most challenging year for community groups, it’s great to see so many worthwhile and diverse organisations benefitting with grants from Bristol Airport’s Local Community Fund.

“We are proud of the role we play in our neighbouring communities and are committed to continuing supporting local projects through the Local Community Fund, despite the challenging impacts of Covid.

“We know a grant from the Fund makes a huge difference to those applying, so would encourage local groups looking for funding to contact us.”

For further information please contact the Bristol Airport Local Community Fund Administrator on 01275 473615 or email [email protected].