THOUSANDS of pounds of grants have been awarded to schemes across Dwyfor and Meirionnydd to mitigate against the closure of a nuclear power plant.

Trawsfynydd Nuclear Plant, which shut down in 1993, was a key employer in the area before it reached the end of its service.

Over the years, many jobs and vocations have been lost as the power station winds down.

However, Magnox’s socioeconomic fund is in place to ensure that communities continue to benefit from the facility and invest in several community schemes.

During 2017/18, Magnox supported 21 projects near its Trawsfynydd site, including the STEM Gogledd project led by Gwynedd Council who received £201,000 over four years; Harlech Library and Institute who purchased £2,000 of IT equipment for courses; Engineering Education Scheme Wales’ (EESW) sixth form STEM project received £2,710; and Antur Nantlle Cyf were awarded £9,999 for the newly created community enterprise hub.

Other organisations also benefitted from the Magnox Socio-Economic Scheme which saw new equipment for Cylch Meithrin’s Talsarnau, Bethel and Beddgelert sites; funding towards a mobile stage for Eisteddfod Gadeiriol Deiniolen a’r Cylch; sports equipment for Pwllheli and Dolgellau football clubs and Dolgellau cricket club; and a reminiscence art workshop for people with early onset dementia arranged by Snowdonia National Park Authority.

“We are very pleased to be able to support the communities in which we work by funding projects and schemes that help encourage and develop education and skills, social infrastructure and sustainable employment,” said Martin Moore, Trawsfynydd site closure director.

“We have helped a number of organisations and charities to achieve their goals by providing finances and support, and it is our joint intention to make sure that our socio-economic support continues to achieve the greatest possible impact.

“We also recognise the importance of being a good neighbour in the communities we operate in, and would encourage smaller organisations to apply to us for support for things like sports shirts and nursery equipment.”