Towns may sign up to water and wind

Experiments to help cut fuel bills are to be carried out in the Wyre Forest. Wind and water power could be used to provide power for towns and villages.

Experts say areas such as Bewdley are ideally placed because of their location near the River Severn and the possibility of creating new systems from water and wind power.

Other experiments could involve the use of solar energy and crops which can be turned into fuel.

Now entrepreneurs are being encouraged to take up the challenge to help develop new ideas.

Officials with regional development agency Advantage West Midlands have announced that a £780,000 fund is designed to help support the discoveries of alternative forms of energy, including wind and water power and crop fuels.

The money is being made available through an initiative known as Co-operative FiRE, thanks to the Rural Regeneration Zone, set up by Advantage West Midlands.

This will provide investment to support the planning of social enterprise companies which are committed to developing energy solutions.

Groups interested in taking part in Co-operative FiRE are being asked to call 08453 733612.