Village’s vision for a tide of change
SKINNINGROVE could be transformed into a thriving eco village, if multi-million-pound plans get the green light.
Skinningrove Sustainability Project will outline how the tiny coastal community can prosper by generating its own renewable energy and building new industries in tourism and food production.
Key to the project’s success will be the restoration of the jetty - currently a disused relic of the seaside village’s steel industry past.
Consultancy One Cool Planet, which has been commissioned by charity group Skinningrove Link Up to draft the proposal, believe the village’s coastal position gives it huge potential for generating its own wind and wave power.
Paul Jackson, an environmental management consultant with One Cool Planet, said: “We are focusing long term on sustainability and employment, not just renewables.
“If we could regenerate the jetty we could grow our own food, hold markets there and operate boat trips.
“There is huge potential for spin-out community businesses.
“Skinningrove could be a massive success.
“Everything is there to hand, we just need to co-ordinate it. The first step is to get the community on board.”
The report will look at demographics, economic viability and ways of increasing employment for the area.
The village, which grew up around the farming, mining and fishing industries and had 3,000 residents at the turn of the century, has fallen into decline in recent years. It now has around a tenth of its original population.
Shelved plans to install a £27,000 ground source heat pump at Cleveland Ironstone Mining Museum could also be revisited under the project, which could see two full-time project managers appointed.
A spokesperson for Redcar and Cleveland Council spokesperson said: “We support any community who wishes to explore the possibility of creating a new ‘sustainable village’, as we move forward on tackling climate change and ensuring our communities become more sustainable in terms of the power they generate and use.
“We look forward to receiving for consideration the proposals created by Skinningrove Link Up.”
One Cool Planet’s report is due by the end of September.
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