THE trustees of Areley Kings Village Hall are pressing ahead with a £16,000 project to install a solar energy generating system.

A planning application has been approved and Kidderminster-based company Eco2Solar are set to start intallation work on Monday.

Since the hall was opened in 2004 there has been a continuous process of improvements including kitchen equipment, ventilation, security and audio equipment.

Rob Fowler, a trustee, said that the project was originally looked at as a way of saving money, but that the trustees were also keen to show their “green credentials”.

He explained that the equipment chosen should reduce the hall’s electricity bill and provide an income, via the “feed-in tariff”, a Government-backed incentive to produce renewable electricity.

He added that the hall should be able to recoup the initial cost of the project within five to six years.

Mr Fowler said: “The hall does have sufficient funds to finance the project. However, it will diminish our financial reserves substantially and fundraising will be necessary.”

A fundraising appeal has been launched and further events are planned. The Friends of Areley Kings Village Hall are going to run a grand draw on July 16 and the top prize will be £200 donated by Eco2Solar.

Mr Fowler said: “With all this goodwill the trustees are confident that the reserve funds will very quickly be restored.

“Areley Kings Village Hall and all its users can look forward to a very positive, green future.”

For more details about the hall and events visit areleykingsvillagehall.org.uk