AN AMBITIOUS bid to generate electricity from water power has been launched in rural Lancashire.

Twenty sites in the Ribble Valley and Pendle have been identified as potential locations where small-scale hydro-electric units could be built.

And the Forest of Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) organisation is planning to spend thousands on a study testing the viability of sites in a bid to persuade people to support the green energy scheme.

The AONB, in partnership with the councils of Pendle, Lancaster, Ribble Valley and Lancashire, commissioned the £40,000 study.

And about 20 sites have been identified, including Whalley weir, Stonyhurst College ponds, Roughlee waterfall, Higherford Mill, Barrowford, and Earby Youth Hostel.

Cathy Hopley, development and funding officer at the AONB, said: “The Ribble Valley is not only the centre of the British Isles, but should a current study prove the point, it may become a centre for the generation of small scale hydro electric power.

“These places provide great locations for small but significant turbines to generate power for our homes, farms and businesses.”

Once the study has been completed, individuals, including farmers, business owners, community groups and landowners, will have to seek external funding to build the hydro electricity units.

Other sites to be identified include Black Moss reservoir, Barley; Clough Bottom Farm, Bashall; County Brook Mill, Foulridge; Greendale Mill, Grindleton; Hareden and Langden Intake’s, Dunsop Bridge; Hougherfall Farm, Dutton; Hurst Green Bobbin Mill; Kirk Mill, Chipping; Littlemoor Mill and Primrose Lodge, Clitheroe; Ribblesdale Park Corn Mill; Slaidburn Saw Mill; The Water Wheel, Chipping and Waddow Hall.