Muirhall Energy – which is proposing to develop Crossdykes Wind Farm in
Annandale – has pledged to provide funding for a new swimming pool and
leisure facility in Lockerbie should the wind farm be constructed.
Located about 1½ miles northeast of Corrie, the proposed wind farm
comprises 15 turbines, each with a generating capacity of 3.2MW (48MW in
total) and a blade tip height of 130m.
In addition to a community benefit package of £240,000 per annum (£5,000
per MW) to be shared by local communities, a number of community groups are
also exploring the opportunity of owning a share in the project.
As part of the Community Benefit Package a Memorandum of Understanding has
been signed with Lockerbie Swimming Pool and Leisure Centre Trust, which is
looking to build, own and operate a facility including a swimming pool and
leisure services.
This aims to serve Mid- and Upper Annandale, from Ecclefechan in the south
to Moffat in the north and Lochmaben in the west to Langholm in the east.
Should the wind farm be constructed £30,000 per annum will be paid to the
Trust, amounting to £750,000 over the 25-year life-span of the project.
The same arrangement has also been agreed with The Locherbie Old School
Project Group. This aims to secure the 140 year old former Dryfesdale
Public School building as a community resource after it was deemed surplus
to requirements by the council.
Robert McDonald, Chairman, Lockerbie Swimming Pool and Leisure Centre
Trust, said: “ Discussions with Muirhall have highlighted that both
projects would be looking to be up and running at roughly the same time and
this gives extra weight to our business case.
“This is an amazingly generous offer by Muirhall Energy and will clearly
bring considerable benefits to not just those in Lockerbie, but in
Annandale as a whole.”
Alastair Yule, Project Manager for Crossdykes Wind Farm, added: “Investing
in the delivery of facilities is absolutely vital, especially in rural
communities where depopulation is a major issue.”
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