Posted on Wednesday 23rd December 2020
Mrs Pat Wilson, customer and Mrs Sue Wilmot, shop volunteer
Staff and volunteers from a community shop in East Staffordshire are celebrating after receiving funding for a new flood barrier.
Marchington Community Shop received almost £800 for the removable flood barrier to help prevent flooding in the shop.
The community-run shop is at the heart of the village and provides a range of local services and support. During the COVID-19 pandemic, staff and around 30 local volunteers have been providing ongoing support and deliveries to vulnerable people, as well as supplies of food, household goods and newspapers for Marchington and Marchington Woodlands residents.
Liz Morgan, Chair of Marchington Community Shop explained that the group was really pleased with the funding.
Liz said:
“Unfortunately, our village experiences frequent, and sometimes severe, flooding, particularly in the lower part of the village where the shop is. Our last flooding event was last February when water came in through the front door, but due to prompt action at 3am in the morning, volunteers saved most of the stock and equipment, but we still had some losses, which a small local community shop can ill afford.
“The funding now received has allowed us to buy a removable flood barrier that can quickly be fitted across the lower part of the shop doorway. This means that we have more protection from flooding and can keep providing our services to the public.”
The Climate Change Action Fund is being delivered by Staffordshire County Council and is now accepting applications from not-for-profit organisations who want to do something to protect the environment. Projects that reduce the amount of carbon produced, improve air quality or help people to deal with climate change events such as heatwaves or flooding are likely to be eligible. £62,000 is being made available and the fund is open until 29 January 2021.
County Councillor, Philip Atkins who supported the project said:
“We have all seen how much damage flooding can cause not only to the environment but to local communities and individuals. This is a great example of how a simple solution and relatively small amount of money can make a huge difference.
“The shop plays a vital role in the local community, in particular during the pandemic, and the new flood barrier means the community shop can now run as normal even when there’s heavy rain or localised flooding in the village.”
Julia Jessel, Cabinet Member with responsibility for climate change at Staffordshire County Council said:
“Tackling climate change is a top priority for the county council. Our ambition is to reduce our own carbon emissions to zero by 2050 but we also want to support communities to do their bit towards a greener future for the county too.
“Climate change is a huge issue which impacts all of us, but if we work together we can really make a difference. Each county councillor has £1000 to award to projects in their area so I would urge people to get in touch and get their applications in.”
To apply for a grant of up to £1000, organisations will first need to speak with their county councillor and then submit an application online.
More information on the fund along with other funding opportunities for community projects can be found at https://www.staffordshire.gov.uk/DoingOurBit/Funding.aspx