Local Business Backs Knockendurrick Wind Farm Investment

OnPath Energy Press releases

GTR_Banks_14A local plant hire and construction business has backed an innovative wind energy firms’ plans to construct a wind farm near Twynholm.

GTR Contracts Ltd has praised Banks Renewables for its commitment to using local contractors for up to 20% of the total construction cost, creating meaningful employment opportunities for local people and boosting the economy by up to £6million during construction.

The Hamilton based firm is waiting on a decision from Dumfries & Galloway Council on its planning application for the seven turbine Knockendurrick Community Wind Farm, located between Twynholm and Gatehouse of Fleet.

The proposals have been backed by many local businesses hoping to see the potential investment become a reality.

GTR Contracts Ltd, established in 2006 by Gary and Tanya Russell, is a plant hire and rock road specialist based in Dumfries.

Tanya said: “We work a lot with wind farm companies, building and maintaining roads, providing equipment and even constructing turbine bases.

“We have been particularly impressed with the level of community engagement and transparency shown by the Banks Renewables team, especially at their public exhibitions.

“They also seem especially committed to using local firms – and should the Knockendurrick development get the go-ahead, it will guarantee a huge boost to the local economy.

“The initial benefit will come with the share of construction costs; however this will be boosted further by the maintenance costs of the wind farm and the community share of the revenue generated.”

Banks Renewables’ community partnership approach to the scheme would see local people share 3% of GTR_Banks_02the site’s gross revenue. The firm has also offered the community the opportunity to buy up to 5% equity in the project.

That money would be directed into projects identified and backed by local people, including job and training creation schemes. Banks Renewables is in discussions with Dumfries & Galloway Council and with local colleges and businesses to agree how best to deliver a targeted employment and training initiative.

The local community’s share of wind farm revenues could also be invested to provide vital community infrastructure, delivery of major environmental projects and direct funding into community groups.

Colin Anderson, director at Banks Renewables is delighted with this latest show of support.

Colin said: “The feedback we’ve had from local businesses so far has been fantastic and it is great to see that they are engaged and support our plans.

GTR_Banks_09 to use“It’s for this reason, as well as our wider commitment to supporting local communities, that Banks Renewables has decided to make a very clear commitment to using local contractors and businesses, agreeing clear targets for the level of direct economic investment into the area when we build our wind farms.”

To register your support for the proposed Knockendurrick Wind Farm, an important project which will bring environmental benefits in the form of clean, green energy and economic benefits to the Dumfries & Galloway area in the form of investment and jobs please visit http://www.banksgroup.co.uk/knockendurrick/support-this-project/.

Banks Renewables is part of the Banks Group (www.banksgroup.co.uk), a family firm founded in 1976, which now employs more than 420 people in the renewable energy, property and mining sectors.

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