River could be used for generating power

The River Teme in Ludlow could be used to power homes in the town in the future through hydro-electricity. A survey of possible sites is being undertaken.

An investigation is now under way to see if the river could be used to generate hydro-electric power, which currently supplies 20 per cent of world electricity.

The river's three weirs are among those being examined in a survey of sites across south Shropshire and Herefordshire.

Looking into the possibility is the Ludlow Hydro Generation Group, which has been set up with members drawn from the Teme Weirs Trust, Ludlow 21 and other interested parties.

The group is working with Energy4All. Energy4All is carrying out a feasibility study as part of the sharenergy project funded by Advantage West Midlands. Sites are also being considered in Leintwardine, Cleobury Mortimer and Kington.

The Teme Weirs Trust maintains Ludlow's three weirs at the Mill Street Weir, Horseshoe Weir and Casemill Weir.

It owns Mill Street Weir but will consult with the owners of the other weirs if the study shows the scheme could work.

David Riley, vice-chairman of the trust, said: "When we were restoring the weirs, the question was asked whether hydro-generation was possible.

"We weren't able to look into it then, but as it was raised as a public issue, we thought it should be investigated.

"We don't know yet if it will be possible. We will need to liaise with the Environment Agency as it could mean putting new structures in the river. This could affect what happens in times of flooding and it could also have an effect on fishing."

The study results are expected in January.