AN organisation which looks after the interests of small businesses welcomed today’s announcement of £10million Government funding for community energy projects.

The Organisation of Responsible Businesses (ORB)based in Wimborne Road, Southend says it is delighted that the Department of Energy and Climate Change will provide funding for local projects.

Jill Poet, managing director of ORB, said: “This is excellent news for local communities. Not only will it encourage projects that will reduce the use of fossil fuels and save people money, it will also encourage communities to work together for the greater good.“

The funding will be administered by the Energy Saving Trust and will be run as a competition. The first round is already open and closes on December 22.

Ms Poet added: “We have some fantastic community groups in the Southend area and it would be wonderful to see at least one of them win the funding and get one of these energy saving projects off the ground. I recommend they act quickly though and apply for funding before the pot runs out.”

To find out more, visit www.GreenCommunitiescc.org.uk