Farron and Huhne announce green investment in South Lakes firms

South Lakes MP and President of the Liberal Democrats Tim Farron has this morning joined with Climate Change Secretary, Chris Huhne to announce that Staveley Energy Network (SENS) and Killington Sustainability Energy Trust (K-SET) will be receiving £72,000 from the from the government's Local Energy Assessment Fund.

Both projects are amongst the first of around 80 local energy projects to win funding from the new £10m Local Energy Assessment Fund.

K-SET's objective is to develop hydro power on a weir on the River Lune, which runs along the boundary ofKillingtonVillage. K-SET have today received £13,680.

SENS was formed in November 2007 to discuss sustainability action in the village, by looking at ways to reduce the energy use, explore the potential for hydro-electric schemes, promote cycling and walking, renewable technologies and to raise awareness of and take action on climate change. SENS received £59,225 the biggest individual grant in theNorth West.

Tim said: "Both of these projects are fantastic and when I heard they had bid for funds I sought out Chris and did all I could to support them and make sure the Department of Energy and Climate Change gave them the support they deserve. I am doing all I can to promote hydro power in Cumbria and I will continue to fight our corner in Westminster."

Commenting further, Chris Huhne said: "We face a gigantic challenge in the coming years to keep the lights on and energy bills down. This means nurturing cleaner, more secure, home-grown energy sources here in the UK so being able to support these two bids from the South Lakes was fantastic. Tim has done a wonderful job in championing their corner and making sure my department backed their bids. Tim really is a true champion for his community and he has the ear of the government. Local communities like these in the Staveley and Killington, with their energy, drive and innovation, are going to be at the heart of our effort to create the green energy of tomorrow, I hope that this funding acts as a booster rocket to the them."