Community hydro-power scheme seeks investors

H2oPE, which is based in Halifax, has already secured 385,000 for its latest hydro scheme, in Stockport, and wants to start construction in the spring.

The plant, at Otterspool Weir on the River Goyt, will

be Greater Manchester's first community-owned scheme

and will produce enough electricity to power about 50 homes.

Shares cost 1 with a minimum shareholding of 250.

Any surplus money from the sale of hydroelectricity will fund local environmental and community projects.

H2oPE's third community-owned hydro is under construction in Bainbridge in the Yorkshire Dales.

It previously helped raise funding for hydro schemes

at High Peak and Settle, which was Yorkshire's first community-owned hydro-electric scheme.

To download a prospectus for the Manchester project go to www.h2ope.co.uk