Solar power share scheme for Leominster leisure centre

A community-owned solar power scheme has been launched in north Herefordshire.

People are being asked to invest in a project to install solar panels on the roof of the Bridge Street Leisure Centre in Leominster.

Organisers need £150,000 to fund the panels and are aiming to raise the money through shares.

If the target is reached in time, it is hoped that work to install the panels will start in January.

An organisation called Leominster Community Solar Co-op has been set up to manage the scheme.

Eithne George from Sharenergy, a not-for-profit group which helps communities set up renewable energy schemes, said the panels could contribute about 10% of electricity used by the sports centre over the course of a year.

Andrew Talbot from Halo Leisure, which runs the sports centre on behalf of Herefordshire Council, said: "We're delighted by this opportunity to reduce our carbon footprint and electricity bills."

The scheme has been launched to coincide with a series of events taking place in Herefordshire highlighting sustainable living.

A week-long exhibition, called h.Energy, about reducing energy use features 70 events across the county.