Water turbine plan for Carding Mill Valley
Electricity could be generated from running water at a Shropshire beauty spot under plans that were being unveiled today.
A hydro electric turbine would be built at Carding Mill Valley, a major tourist spot and base of the National Trust on the Long Mynd near Church Stretton, as part of the plans.
Members of the public are invited to an information event being held today at the Carding Mill Valley tea room, from 4pm-6.30pm, where National Trust staff will explain the plans.
Peter Carty, countryside manager at the site, said: "Carding Mill Valley is named after the water-powered mill that used to be here, so there's a long history of using water for power.
"We first discussed hydro power in 2005 when we looked at various schemes. Back then it was pretty new."
He said an original plan to use old Victorian pipes was scuppered when they were found to be completely rusted up.
"Then about five years ago we did a feasibility study that showed it was possible, but we did the maths and found the costs were greater than the benefit."
Mr Carty said: "After extensive research into the viability of a scheme, and to ensure any installation will not be detrimental to the valley, its residents or its visitors, the National Trust has a developed a proposal to submit for planning approval."
He said the turbine would be on the disused dam in Light Spout Hollow off the valley.
