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Magnox and the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority have announced a £13,500 cash boost to help support vulnerable groups in the Romney Marsh area.

The money has been granted to Folkestone and Hythe District Council to support the work of the Romney Marsh hub to provide a range of community initiatives as coronavirus pandemic continues. The funds will go towards local organisations active in providing support, including foodbanks, food deliveries, purchase of personal protective equipment and printing and distributing advisory literature.

The funding forms part of the 12 grants, worth £300,000 in total, Magnox has made available to local authorities or charities where a Magnox site is located.

Gwen Parry-Jones, Magnox Chief Executive, yesterday said:

Many community groups are carrying out positive work, supporting the most vulnerable in their areas. This work is vital, and a key part of Magnox’s response to COVID-19 is to help other organisations deal with the pandemic wherever we can.

In this time of national crisis, Magnox has agreed with the NDA that we should make available up to £25,000 at each site from the Magnox Socio-economic Scheme for use by local community groups on COVID-19 related activities. Magnox is committed to assisting the communities surrounding our sites, as our communities have supported us for over 50 years, and we hope this funding will go some way to supporting the essential work being delivered.

Jon Wilson, Romney Marsh Community Hub lead, yesterday explained:

“We are hugely grateful to Magnox for recognising the support needed across the Romney Marsh at this time of crisis. This support has enabled us to react quickly to the needs of the 16 towns and villages that make up the Romney Marsh. Thank you Magnox!”

Councillor Jenny Hollingsbee, Folkestone and Hythe District Council Cabinet member for Communities, said: “It is truly amazing what has been achieved by the district hubs. The team at Romney Marsh have been throwing a vital lifeline to those living in a largely rural area, who have been vulnerable and isolated due to COVID-19.

“We are extremely grateful for this financial support from Magnox and the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority which will support the cost of setting up and delivering what has been such an essential service during this pandemic.