THE developer behind the construction of the Den Brook Wind Farm between North Tawton and Bow has claimed the project has put almost £2-million into the local and regional economy during the early stages of construction at the wind farm.

RES has used local contractors where possible to ensure the local business community benefits directly from the construction of the wind farm. This has included using local suppliers for stone, concrete and steel as well as for civil engineering services, plant hire and operators.

Mike Keenor, manager of a local small business based in North Tawton, has been working on the site for the last eight months.

Mr Keenor said: ‘It has been great to have the opportunity to work with RES at Den Brook. I live and work locally and think it is excellent that RES has used local businesses where possible.’

Richard Wagstaff, construction manager, said: ‘As an independent British company it is very important to us to work with local people and companies as much as possible.

‘We’ve been fortunate at Den Brook to have such a skilled supply chain available to us so locally and I’m delighted with the team we’ve formed through the civil works.

‘The quality of the works completed to date reflects the professionalism of the companies locally and I am looking forward to further local involvement as we move through the electrical and turbine phases of the project.

‘An important part of the Den Brook Wind Farm project is delivering a longer term legacy to the local economy by using local suppliers and employing local people.’

As well as having a positive economic impact on the local business community, a community benefits package totalling £90,000 per year will become available once the wind farm is operational. The Community Benefit Fund of £36,000 per year, index linked, to support local social and environmental projects will be administered by representatives from the councils of Bow, Spreyton, Zeal Monachorum, South Tawton and North Tawton.

In addition locals will be able to sign up to RES’ Local Electricity Discount Scheme.

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