Dalton Community Association, which owns and runs Dalton Community Centre, has been handed a £6,000 grant as part of the network operator’s Empowering our Communities scheme, which it will use to buy a new smart LED lighting system.
The move marks the finishing touch to the restoration of the centre, which was in poor condition when it was taken on by the group in 2008.
Since then, the centre has been completely redeveloped to make it fit for a wide range of community uses as well as more energy efficient, with a new heating system, insulation, double glazing and solar panels on the roof.
The new LED light-sensitive lighting system is expected to cut the centre’s lighting bill by around 20% and will be installed while the centre is being unused due to Covid19.
Barry Doughty, chairman of Dalton Community Association, said: “This is the final phase of a project that has taken 12 years to complete. It was a real challenge, but we’ve learnt a lot along the way.
“The building is a former army drill hall, which was cold and draughty, and today it is used by 50 different groups every year, with up to 5,000 people coming through the doors every month.
“The energy efficient changes we’ve made throughout the development have made a real difference, so this gives us the opportunity to spread the word about how people can save energy in their own homes too.”
Dalton Community Centre is run by a team of around 50 volunteers and hosts everything from mother and baby groups to a luncheon club for the retired, as well as being home to a library and the local police office.
Volunteers now plan to create a series of short films about the transformation of the centre, which will include tips on how people can lessen their own carbon footprint, and will be shared online and shown at its regular film club.
Helen Seagrave, community energy manager at Electricity North West, added: “The story of how the people of Dalton have come together to transform their community centre is an inspiration, so we are really pleased to have been able to play a small part in the project.
“Our Empowering our Communities Fund takes applications from community groups across the north west which aim to tackle energy-related issues at a local level, especially those that want to reduce their carbon footprint.
“Groups can apply for up to £15,000 for projects that engage local communities in energy issues and support the development of a community energy project.
“The fund will be re-opening later this year so keep an eye out on the website for more information.”
Electricity North West is calling for those living or working in the region to have their say on its plans as part of its biggest ever customer engagement programme. Anybody interested in getting involved can visit www.pluggingin.co.uk for more details.
