Gazette Report - Hawkesbury Upton

Bright sparks help to save energy
8:40am Wednesday 8th October 2008
By Ali Dent of the Gazette


ONE bright idea has sparked an energy-saving movement in Hawkesbury Upton.
A visionary document for the village switched the light on to cutting emissions and saving residents' money.
Bright sparks in the village came up with a village plan, which led to the formation of Hawkesbury Energy Group and plans to transform homes into low-energy buildings.
Organiser Angelo Sauro said the group hoped energy efficiency would start with projects to insulate the village hall and Hawkesbury Primary School.
He said: "Some of the things we are looking at are big projects which will take 25 years before we see any payback.
"Others are things people can do themselves which have an immediate impact."
The group also wants to encourage residents to save their own energy. Since launching a year ago, members held their first public awareness event at the village hall on Saturday.
Watt's It All About was a morning of bright ideas including a talk by Northavon MP Steve Webb and presentations from energy-saving experts.
Severn Wye Energy Agency gave information on different technologies available and experts from South Gloucestershire group Warm and Well were on hand with on loft and wall insulation and grants available.
Added Mr Sauro: "It went very well. We received a lot of very positive feedback and we think our message came across.
"We need to make people aware of what is available to them for various energy-saving projects and how people can actually save money."
The group is investigating applying for various grants to fund power-saving schemes including using solar energy at the village hall.
Members meet once a month for regular updates and hope to hold another public event soon.
For more information visit www.village-hall.org

Steve Webb and members of the Hawkesbury Energy Group