October 2020
We hope to bring significant news about the build of Phase One next week…fingers crossed!
However, in the meantime:
We know that some of you are now getting email notifications from DCMS to state that your B4RN voucher is soon to expire. Please ignore at this time and you don’t need to do anything. There is currently an extension in place due to Covid19. B4RN are monitoring the situation and if necessary will apply for an extension at the appropriate time. So whilst your voucher date may expire soon the voucher has not been cancelled. You will still be able to use the voucher and get connected.
Our community investment now stands at £15,500. And a big thank you to those who have added to the WUM pot. Our target, set by B4RN, is £60k and this needs to be reached before we can rollout Phase Two. So the details: B4RN Shares are purchased at £1 per share, currently attract 5% interest payable annually, have to be kept for a minimum of 3 years, and can only be sold back to B4RN for £1 per share. When investing in B4RN you SHOULD name the Witherslack, Ulpha and Meathop project as the one you wish to help build. These shares are called “withdrawable shares”, there are risks associated with buying these shares given that they are subject to the society’s financial position and the decisions of the directors. For more information about B4RN shares see www.b4rn.org.uk/b4rn-shares-prospectus
Investments of £1,500 and over are eligible for free connection (saving £150). Each investor can only receive a maximum of 4 free connections irrespective of their investment value. These free connections can be donated to other people. You may feel it appropriate to take professional advice before investing. If you have difficulty on line or if you would prefer a paper copy of the application form then please contact Steve at [email protected].
We also now need to prepare for the actual dig. Whilst the arterial routes will be undertaken by a contractor we will need the community to help with the digging within curtilages. If you would like to do your bit and help others within the community then please email [email protected] we will then begin preparations. You don’t need equipment – just enthusiasm. Please note that when we first explored B4RN we asked our community to register Expressions of Interest. As part of that some of you may already have registered a willingness to help with the digging and you will be contacted shortly!
Finally in this newsletter we now need to advertise for anyone who would like to be considered for assisting with the installation of the house kits, and installing the ducting within individual curtilages. Remember that works in the curtilage will be covered (in part at least) by the £150 dig grant that will be forthcoming to each household on final sign up. Once the digging of Phase One goes live we will need your assistance please. Anyone interested please contact [email protected]
Your WUM team…