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Windfarm firm cash to flow into pool project

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By Fiona Reid
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Windfarm firm cash to flow into pool project

A £1.5 million investment could be on the cards for two Lockerbie projects.

Windfarm company Muirhall Energy have pledged £1.5 million in funding to the Lockerbie Swimming Pool Trust and Lockerbie Old School Community Hub.

The firm, who are behind the Crossdykes Windfarm proposal, will pay up if their 15 turbine development near Corrie is successful.

In addition to a community benefit package of £240,000 per year for the area, a number of community groups are also exploring the opportunity of owning a share in the project.

And a Memorandum of Understanding has been signed with Lockerbie Swimming Pool Trust regarding the funding pledge.

Should the windfarm get the go-ahead, £30,000 a year 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 Lockerbie Old School Project, who aim to transform the old Dryfesdale Public School building into a community hub.

Crossdykes project manager Alastair Yule said: “We have been greatly impressed by the work being undertaken by those looking to deliver the swimming pool and leisure facilities and the new community hub in Lockerbie.

“These provide facilities not only for those in the town, but Annandale as a whole.”

He added: “Investing in the delivery of facilities is absolutely vital, especially in rural communities where depopulation is a major issue.”

Robert McDonald, chairman of the pool trust, said: “We are delighted with this Memorandum of Understanding which brings us one step closer to delivering this lasting legacy.

“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.”

Chairwoman of community hub project, Catherine Lacey, added: “This funding from Crossdykes Wind Farm will help turn our long-term vision into a reality.”