Evesham Journal

30 January 2011

Village halls power rural retailer

Villagers from two Vale communities have put people power into practice to supply electricity to a national rural retailer.

Energy generated by photovoltaic solar panels installed at Elmley Castle and Hill and Moor village halls has helped Countrywide at Four Pools Retail Park become the first in the chain to be powered entirely by renewable sources.

The success of the 48-panel project at Elmley Castle inspired committee members at Hill and Moor to take on six panels of their own.

Both are producing more electricity then they consume, allowing them to sell the remaining energy to suppliers Green Energy UK and generate extra income.

George Mackison, treasurer of Elmley Castle Village Hall, said: “The project has been a real success. Through grants we obtained from the Lottery, the local authority and landfill tax initiatives, we have been able to deal with the issue of rising energy costs and make very real decisions that have helped us reduce energy waste and provide the village hall and even our local post office with free heat and power, as well as creating an income for the hall.”

Chris Roberts, treasurer for Hill and Moor Village Hall, added: “George shared his experience and knowledge with other village halls and it made sense for us to do something similar with our hall.

“We are able to use the income we’re making from selling the electricity to improve the hall and its facilities.”

Julie Jones-Ford, renewables manager at Countrywide, said the cost of using green electricity was comparable with conventional sources.

“The Evesham Countrywide store is a good example of how a rural retailer such as Countrywide can work with an innovative organisation such as Green Energy UK and the local community with great success.

“I applaud Green Energy UK and the local community for setting a good example for others to follow.”