A HYDROPOWER project on the River Avon at Pershore has gained the district council’s support and a £300,000 loan backed by the taxpayer.

Local landowner Charles Hudson’s proposal to build a water powered generator at Pershore weir has won over councillors at Wychavon where the executive board agreed to recommend a loan to help finance the project.

The £300,000 loan would be provided with an interest rate of 10 per cent a year, and with a life of 10 years.

Mr Hudson said: “Reducing our carbon footprint is a flag Wychavon wants to fly, plus the funding agreement would help provide an income for the Pershore Market Town initiative which needs £30,000 a year.

“Of course there will also be the chance for the council to buy green energy cheaper than it is available on the energy market.”

The hydropower project is estimated to cost £1 million to build and would generate enough power for more than 200 homes.

Once finished, Mr Hudson intends to sell the electricity commercially, rather than to National Grid, and one potential customer could be Wychavon Leisure Centre which could use about 90 per cent of the power generated.

The design incorporates an ‘Archimedes screw’ style generator that would be located on the east bank and includes a ‘fish pass’ that could be used by canoeists and kayakers.

Wychavon officers have suggested the area might even be able to accommodate a much larger water leisure facility, or use funding available through the Olympic games to set up Pershore as “a vibrant water sport centre”.

Council leader Paul Middlebrough said: “It’s a fantastic idea and we’re keen to move forward, which is why we want to provide this loan of £300,000. It’s a commercial opportunity, and Mr Hudson is also putting his money into the project.”