Charities share £30,000 Community Fund

Good causes across Maidstone and the Weald have received a share of a £30,000 community fund set up after water supply issues in the area at the end of last year.

South East Water joined with the county town’s MP Helen Grant OBE to distribute the cash to 20 charities with each organisation receiving £1,500 towards their projects.

Groups and organizations were chosen by Ms Grant and a judging panel after being invited to apply for a share of the fund. It was set up to thank the community for its patience when a rapid freeze-thaw weather event in December caused widespread interruption to tap water supplies.

Representatives from the charities received their cheques at a ceremony in Maidstone.

South East Water’s Customer Service Director Tanya Sephton said: “We know it was a very tough time for the whole community, especially as it happened during the festive season.

“The weather is outside of our control and when sudden, big changes in temperature happen, it can have a huge impact, causing leaks and bursts both on our network and on customers’ pipework. This is what happened in December.

“We take our role as a responsible water company seriously and wanted to thank residents in Maidstone and the surrounding areas for their understanding. This is a gesture which will have a long term benefit for everyone – and there’s no better way than to support the tireless work of the great causes which are right at the heart of the community. A big thank you to them all.”

Ms Grant said: “I am very pleased South East Water has made this gesture to help the many good causes which operate in our area, day in, day out, changing and improving people’s lives for the better. The fund was also a great opportunity to hear more about the wonderful work that these organisations do

“I hope this community fund will have a lasting impact for the benefit our local people.”

Among good causes receiving a cheque was Maidstone Lions which will put the money towards its medical assistance project.

Representative Derek Ransley said: “This award will enable us to purchase two more defibrillators towards our objective, which is to ensure that every School in Maidstone has one of these life saving devices – thank you.”