COMMUNITY projects in Burnham and Highbridge could benefit from part of a £13million fund announced in the wake of Hinkley C being given the green light.

This week the Somerset Community Foundation (SCF), who will be managing the new Hinkley C Community Fund, said it is looking forward to to playing an important role in supporting communities most affected by the construction over the next decade.

As part of the Section 106 agreement for the construction of the project, £13million of funding will be available and the SCF said it will work with local communities, councils and other stakeholders in early 2017 to define priorities ready for the launch of the fund in the second half of next year.

Justin Sargent, SCF’s chief executive, said “I am looking forward to Somerset Community Foundation playing an important role in realising the potential that Hinkley Point C, one of the largest construction projects ever seen in Europe, brings to Somerset.

"Most importantly, we want to ensure that this fund enhances people’s quality of life in the communities that will be most affected through the construction period.

"This will be a different programme of funding to the type of grant making we do at the moment, there will be support for smaller grassroots organisations but we will be able to invest in much larger projects that will benefit people."

Mr Sargent said the Somerset Community Foundation has positioned itself as an independent administrator of the fund to converse with a range of stakeholders for what this fund could be used for.

"It is a wonderful opportunity to help communities grow and become more vibrant, and we want to talk to those communities so we can make the most of this opportunity."

If you would like to receive updates about the Hinkley Point C Community Fund over the coming months, you can sign up to Somerset Community Foundation’s monthly eNewsletter by visiting the homepage www.somersetcf.org.uk.