The county's biggest wind farm has handed over its first community payment to surrounding villages. The 11-turbine Swinford wind farm, south of Lutterworth, has been generating green electricity since November.
As part of the planning approval, the company agreed to set up the community fund. Energy firm Vattenfall marked the project's first six months generating power at the weekend with a day of fun, games and activities for the family at the wind farm site and at South Kilworth.
The company also handed over 44,000, the first of 25 annual payments which will go into the combined fund during the life of the wind farm.
Michael Murphy, chairman of the community fund, who supported the project, said: "Vattenfall's contribution to a community fund will greatly help community life over the next two decades.
"Applications have been received for the fund to support a range of projects, from sports equipment for young people to community buses.
"I would encourage anyone who has any other suggestions to get in touch. Application forms can be picked up from parish councils."
Thousands of residents opposed the scheme and raised more than 50,000 to fight it at a planning inquiry.
However, the go-ahead was granted by then Secretary of State, John Denham, with the project due to power up to 12,000 homes a year.
Graham Hart, county councillor for the area, said: "Not everyone, myself included, welcomed the idea of wind turbines initially.
"But we're now delighted Vattenfall is investing in the future of our communities, with the parish councils and young people having their say in how the money is spent."
The family day featured a marquee full of arts, crafts and games, and saw the announcement of the winners of a turbine-naming competition run with children from South Kilworth and Swinford School.
Seven-year-old Harvey Everton, from Swinford School, won the overall prize for his artwork and naming one of the turbines Swift.
Later in the day, the event moved to South Kilworth village hall, where there was live music, activities for children, along with food and refreshments. The project took just over a year to construct and UK companies received key contracts.
Piers Guy, Vattenfall's head of onshore wind development in the UK, said: "It was great to see so many of the community taking part in the inauguration event.
"Being on site not only gave them the opportunity to get involved in the activities on the day, but also gave them the chance to see the wind farm up close.
"We were very happy to present the first year of community funding, which we are sure will have a very real impact in the area."
The turbine towers were constructed in south Wales and another British company was contracted to carry out all the civil engineering work on site.
Businesses in the area also received contracts to provide environmental and geographical surveying, site security, and gravel for the access tracks was supplied by a nearby quarry.
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