Plans progressing on electricity from Shrewsbury weir

Plans to generate energy from a new turbine built at Castlefields Weir are currently being examined by specialist contractors Thames Renewables on behalf of Shrewsbury Town Council and Shropshire Council.

The company has been appointed to conduct research into the feasibility of the scheme and is already progressing to the second phase of its study.

When all stages of the study are completed, tender documents will be prepared to procure a contractor for the development and build. Details on how the project is going will be discussed by Shrewsbury Town Council's recreation and leisure committee tomorrow evening.

Aspiration

Shrewsbury Town Council has pledged £20,000 towards the hydro feasibility scheme, which has been match-funded by Shropshire Council.

Alan Mosley, leader of Shrewsbury Town Council, said: "There is a great deal of interest in this project, both locally and further afield, which will be the first of its type in Shropshire. I am delighted that good progress is being made."

Councillor Miles Kenny, who represents Underdale, added: "It is great to see progress. We have to remember that generating electricity from renewable sources, such as at the weir, reduces our reliance on fossil fuels for energy and the sooner we get on with this, subject to financial sense, the better."

Generating hydroelectricity from the weir has been an aspiration for several years.The hydro scheme is likely to be developed on the Underdale side of the river.

Last month, it was announced the Shrewsbury Hydro group has separately been awarded £19,400 by the Rural Community Energy Fund to look into the feasibility of electricity from the weir.

Tomorrow's town council meeting will start from 6pm at the Guildhall.

Other items on the agenda include a discussion of the town's World War One commemoration plans and presentations from firms interested in running Shrewsbury's Christmas lights display for this year.