THE 10 Parishes area around Wiveliscombe will benefit from £2,500 of community grants – paid for by solar power.

Brendon Energy, a local renewable power co-operative, is providing the money, made from its two roof-mounted solar installations in Wiveliscombe.

It is seeking ideas for what to spend the money on – anything that supports the community could benefit.

Brendon Energy was established in 2011 and has 13 roof-mounted solar pv installations across Somerset including schools, village halls, community centres and sports clubs. The host building gets the electricity generated free of charge and profits go back to the local community funds for each area.

The two Wiveliscombe installations, on the Community Centre and the Children’s Centre, contribute to a 10 Parishes Community Fund to benefit the area around Wiveliscombe – Wiveliscombe, Milverton, Ashbrittle, Stawley, Huish Champflower, Fitzhead, Brompton Ralph, Clatworthy, Chipstable and Bathealton.

Brendon Energy director Richard Brunning said: “It’s great that locally owned green power is giving its profits straight back to the local community. Local power providing local benefit has to be the way forward.”

To apply for a grant fill in the simple one-page application form on the website http://brendonenergy.org/ The closing date for applications is September 30.

Grant recipients will be decided by a vote by Brendon Energy members at the annual meeting in early October.