An eco community project in Tutbury has been chosen to take centre stage at a prestigious national event.

The Tutbury Eco Power project has been chosen from over 250 community projects nationwide to showcase its scheme at the Community Shares Seminar, organised by the Development Trusts Association, at a prestigious event in London on Thursday 15^th July.

The Tutbury Eco Power scheme will generate clean and green electricity from the water course at the Mill Fleam. As well as stepping into the future with green energy, the project harks back to the village’s heritage as the fleam once powered an 18^th Century cotton mill.

The innovative project is an outstanding example of sustainable practice as the volunteer group running the scheme has set up a not-for-profit company which will sell shares. The money will be used to set up the project with future income being invested in good causes in Tutbury.

To find out more about the project, or to register an interest in the shares, visit www.tutburyecopower.co.uk

Staffordshire County Councillor Bob Fraser, member for East Staffordshire – Dove, said the project is a leading light across the county and beyond.

“ The Tutbury Eco Power project is leading the way in environmental innovation and is a fantastic example of how a good project can galvanise a community. I am delighted that Staffordshire County Council and East Staffordshire Borough Council, along with a range of other organisations, are supporting the scheme. It is a great honour to be asked to speak at such a prestigious event.

The project will not only enhance the natural beauty and biodiversity of the Mill Fleam watercourse, but will generate green electricity too. By setting up a business that will offer shares the project is not only providing a safe, ethical investment option to local people but is capitalising on the low carbon economy to bring investment and support jobs in Tutbury.” he added.

Tutbury Eco Power Managing Director Greg Finney said:

 "Tutbury has an historic, man-made water course running through it that once powered the local cotton and gypsum factories and it's just crying out for a modern hydro power plant. Turning what is now a weed-choked trickle back into a clean green flow is a challenge that has attracted a diverse group of volunteers from the village."

Mr Finney, also a Tutbury resident and volunteer, added: "Being recognised and acknowledged for our efforts at national level gives us great confidence that our project represents a sound ecological and financial investment for the local community."

Founder of the project and chair of the group, Steve Rhodes said:

“This is an exciting project which has captured the imagination of the whole community and is bringing people and organisations together.   It will also be the flagship for our future aspirations to be a Low Carbon Community

For more information about the project visit www.tutburyecopower.co.uk