A PIONEERING solar power trial has been backed by councillors.

Pendle Council is one of only a handful of authorities to take part in the scheme, which could slash heating bills by up to 60 per cent.

The project is part of a partnership between the council, electricity providers Scottish Power and Home Insulation Services. Members of the council's executive committee have welcomed the scheme.

Coun David Clegg said: "I know we can only afford to install a few at the moment but I would like to see this rolled out across the borough. I would also like to see it start as soon as possible."

This view was supported by Coun Colin Waite, who said: "Anything that can reduce the use of fossil fuels has got to be a welcomed."

Hand-made panels, which look like small windows, would be installed at a cost of £2,500 each, on bungalows in the borough.

It is intended to install them in a range of property types, so that the effectiveness of the system can be fully assessed.

Officers will begin canvassing tenants to see which properties will be included in the pilot. The panels work best on south-facing homes with no trees obstructing the sunlight, and people who are at home during the day would be likely to see the most benefit from the solar panel scheme.

The results would then be examined to decide whether or not the scheme should be rolled out across the borough. Participating tenants would be able to opt to have the panels removed.

Housing and community services manager Ian Broughton said: "The panels are hand-made and contain metal which reacts to the sunlight. We believe they could reduce heating bills by up to 60 per cent. Pendle is one of only a handful of local authorities involved."

Through the partnership, the council has also received 2,000 low energy light bulbs and 200 high-efficiency kettles free of charge, to distribute to low-income households.