MP celebrates 'brilliant' visit to Aylesbury Vale solar farm after £1bn announcement
An Aylesbury Vale-based MP championed a solar farm operating within his constituency following a recent visit.
Callum Anderson, the MP for Buckingham and Bletchley, visited the Gawcott Fields Community Solar site last week.
He completed a walking tour of the 4.17-megawatt solar farm on the outskirts of Gawcott. Mr Anderson was given an overview of the project, including its development, performance, and contribution to the local community.
Following his visit, the Labour Government announced that it was planning to allocate £1bn in funding towards green energy schemes.
Mr Anderson said following the trip: “It was brilliant to visit Gawcott Fields Community Solar this week. As well as producing clean energy, it is run as a Community Interest Company – giving back to the local area. It’s a win-win situation for our residents.”
He continued: “Our Community Energy Plan is delivering the biggest public investment in community energy in this country’s history. Gawcott Solar has already funded projects such as energy-efficiency upgrades for Gawcott Village Hall and an air-source heat pump for Tingewick Village Hall nearby. The organisation has also supported local sports clubs, including Buckingham Golf Club, Buckingham Rugby Club and the town cricket club with grants for rooftop solar installations - helping to lower energy bills.”
In northern Buckinghamshire concerns have been raised regarding the number of major energy schemes which are being discussed within the region. Battery storage projects are planned near Winslow and East Claydon. While a campaign group is opposing a solar farm project which is under consideration for land near Calvert.
Gawcott Fields Community Solar says its site can improve energy security, cut carbon emissions, and help move the UK toward a low-carbon economy.
Gawcott Solar directors Gabby Mallett and Tony Ulph guided Mr Anderson through the tour. Ms Mallett said: “It was great to give Callum a tour of the site and show him what we do, and we even had a break in the awful weather to show him around!
“He showed real interest in the work we do and clearly wants to help us spread the word about the grant funding we have available for local organisations.”