Fewer than 500 people responded to a survey aimed at finding out what Frodsham and Helsby residents would like to do with a £3m community fund linked with the controversial wind farm development.

Developers Peel Energy wanted to know how the public thought the Frodsham Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund should be spent.

But out of a population of 18,000 in the Weaver Valley, there were only 432 responses to the survey.

Construction of the 19-turbine project began in April, with the latest pictures showing the site taking shape.

Asked what he thought of the level of response, Peel Energy development manager Stephen Snowdon said: “It is always preferable to get as many responses as possible.

“Our survey was available on lots of social media platforms, was advertised in local media and presented in public exhibitions. We’re glad that over 400 people gave us their views and we will be considering these.”

Ongoing construction at Frodsham Wind Farm

As part of the project, Peel will provide a contribution to the community around Frodsham Wind Farm of £120,000 each year for 25 years.

The survey was launched in June and sought answers to which areas, bodies and projects should receive a share of the pot.

Of the 432 who answered, 81% said they lived in the surrounding area.

More than 80% defined ‘the local community’ as Elton, Frodsham, Hapsford, Helsby and Ince, with 78% believing the money should be spent within this area only.

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But questions remain as to how the cash will be divided between them.

The site of Frodsham Wind Farm
The site of Frodsham Wind Farm

Borough councillor Andrew Dawson said: “I have reservations about the survey because this is 432 responses out of a population of 18,000. We got 1,300 households out of 9,000 people in Frodsham to respond last year.

“If we are going to live with the wind farm for 25 years we need to create a lasting legacy.

“My fear is the money will be divided between the communities and be spent on smaller projects which only help certain areas.”

Only 14.9% saw paying more than £100,000 to big projects as a good option, with the majority opting for a mixed approach funding one large and five smaller schemes.

Who should be able to apply for funding was the most divisive category in the survey.

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Voluntary groups and charities within the area were both popular choices, as were schools and other educational facilities.

Mr Snowdon said: “As with any survey, the results represent a ‘snapshot’ of opinion at one point in time.

“But we want progress on the CBF to mirror the good progress being made with the construction of the wind farm.

“To that end, we will be considering our next steps in the run-up to Christmas.”

Mr Snowdon added construction was on track, with all piling work completed.

Ongoing construction at Frodsham Wind Farm

The three most popular choices for who should be involved in managing the money were local residents (85.2%), young people (50.2%) and parish councils (46.5%).

Cllr Dawson said: “It’s not up to me what the community decides, but personally I’d like to see some excellent sports facilities at Helsby High School.

“All of our kids from across Elton, Frodsham and Helsby go there so everyone would benefit.

“This way there would be the opportunity to get additional funding from Cheshire West and Chester Council to build something great. If you can get the best, why not do it?”

Peel added the next step in the process was to form a representative panel from across the Weaver Valley to discuss the survey.

Cllr Dawson stressed the importance of getting the balance of this body right so communities of different sizes were fairly represented.

Had you heard about the survey? Were you one of the 432 who responded? Let us know in the comments below.