Ernie Broom and Andrew Oswald with some of the insulation at the New Bury Community Centre is attached.

COMMUNITY groups, charities and not-for-profit organisations have been urged to step forward and claim their share of funding designed to help cut bills while safeguarding the environment.

The greener business grant has been funded by the West Suffolk Partnership to help groups and businesses take steps to reduce their carbon footprint while saving money.

A total pot of £60,000 was initially made available, with a substantial amount still to be claimed.

Residents of the Howard Estate, in Bury St Edmunds, are among those to benefit so far after receiving funding towards installing cavity wall insulation in New Bury Community Centre.

Ernie Broom, chairman of the residents’ association, said it had got to the stage where heating costs were “running away from us”.

He said: “We decided to see if there was help available towards the costs of making improvements and were given some money from our county councillor Stefan Oliver as well as a greener business grant. We have now had cavity wall insulation installed at a cost of around £1,700 and it has made a big difference.”

Not-for-profit organisations, charities and businesses can apply for grants of up to £1,000 towards the cost of insulation, replacing heating and lighting and installing energy efficient alternatives to existing equipment.

John Griffiths, chair of West Suffolk Partnership, said: “We would encourage businesses, charities and not-for-profit organisations from across west Suffolk to take advantage of this fantastic opportunity to reduce not only their environmental impact but also their running costs.

“Making small changes such as improving your insulation or swapping your old boiler for a new, energy efficient model can bring real financial savings in the long term. So please do get in touch and claim your share of this significant pot of funding.”

Mr Oliver added: “I was very happy to be able to contribute towards funding these important improvements, which will bring benefits for lots of people using the community centre.”

The grant is open to not-for-profit organisations, such as parish councils, or businesses employing up to 250 people in west Suffolk, including those based in Bury St Edmunds, Haverhill, Sudbury, Newmarket, Mildenhall, Brandon and the surrounding villages.

For more information about the grant scheme call Andrew Oswald on 01284 757622, email andrew.oswald@stedsbc.gov.uk or visit http://www.greensuffolk.org/greener-business/funding/