Green future for Oswestry up for discussion

The town could set up its own Community Energy Scheme, but first the town council wants to gauge local support for the idea.

A public meeting will be held on April 19 for residents and organisations who may want to get involved.

The meeting will be held from 6.30pm to 8pm in the Parish Centre, St Oswald's Church.

Oswestry Mayor, Councillor Vince Hunt said: "We have organised a public open meeting to better understand the level of public support for such an initiative," he said.

“This project is in its very early stages and the meeting has been organised so that we can hear the views of local people and also from individuals and organisations who may wish to be involved in such a scheme.

"This will help us to decide whether or not to apply for funding so that an in-depth feasibility study can be commissioned”.

During the meeting there will be a presentation by Sharenergy, a Shrewsbury based organisation that helps communities to set up and own renewable energy societies.

Vision

Oswestry Town Council will also put forward its vision for the project.

Elsewhere in the country, Community Energy Schemes have funded the installation of Solar PV panels onto public and community buildings to generate electricity for the buildings occupants at a lower cost than they currently pay.

Those in favour of such scheme say this also has the added benefit of reducing CO2 emissions.

There is also the potential for commercial firms to get involved.

Councillor Hunt said: “If you would like to find out more then please come along, there will be an opportunity for questions and for a discussion on the interest in, and merit of such schemes in Oswestry."

As well looking at solar panel on public buildings, the council has also discussed putting electric charging points for car on one of its car parks.

At a meeting earlier this year councillors asked officers to bring more information on a potential scheme to a future meeting.