Hydro idea for Ludlow's historic weir given thumbs-up at public display

Ludlow Hydro Co-operative is hoping to use the power of the water at Horseshoe weir on the River Teme in Ludlow – and, if plans are approved, sell shares in the scheme to people in and around the town.

A draft of the plans for the 30kW Archimedes screw turbine on the weir at Ludford Mill went on display at Ludlow Assembly Rooms last night to gauge the public response.

Angus Marshall, one of 12 current members of the co-operative who kick-started the project in 2011, said comments had been very encouraging.

Speaking at the exhibition, he said: "Today it has nothing but positive.

"We live in the mill building, which we bought about four years ago. We were going to do this on a private basis, but then we were approached by Sharenergy who asked if we'd like to do it as a community scheme, and it just made sense for us.

"Effectively what we're looking to do is reinstate the purpose of the weir. It was made to harness the power of the river for the cotton mill and we are bringing that up to date.

"We've tried to dress it in stone to mirror the mill itself, but a lot of it is underwater so you can't even see it.

"There are two schools of thought on this, a lot of people would like to see the mechanism – but we think we've got the balance right."

He said investors had already raised £30,000 to get the project to the planning stage, and they hoped to put a planning application in by the end of the month.

If the plans are successful shares and membership of the co-operative will be offered to the public to help raise the £300,000 needed to install the turbine, which would generate enough electricity to power 40 homes and has a fish-friendly design.

Jeff Else, a retired bank manager from Aston-on-Clun, said: "

I'll be trying to convince them we should be doing something like this in Aston-on-Clun."

Andrew Allen, 29, an academic with a PhD in fusion energy, who lives in Corvedale, said: "I think it's really good to get the community involved in renewable energy."

Anyone interested in finding out more or joining the co-operative can email info@ludlowhydro.org.uk