IT looks as though Chagford's dream of running its own hydro-electric scheme is over before it has even begun. Chagford Action for Sustainable Energy (Case) had hoped that South West Water (SWW) would allow them to take over the tiny hydro-scheme on the River Teign, which currently stands idle. Chairman Perran Newman estimated that it would bring in £7,000 a year, which could be used to fund other renewable energy projects in the town. But now SWW has said it is planning to bring it back into use itself. SWW spokesman Christopher Mills said: 'A feasibility study will be done in this financial year and depending on the results of that, we may start recommissioning work next year.' He denied they had been jolted into action because of Case's interest, saying that it was one of several historic hydro-schemes across the region that they were investigating. 'I feel at the moment we want to retain it. It is a business decision for us whether to recommission and run it – obviously there has to be an economic case for it,' he said. Mr Newman may be pinning his hopes on a last-minute change of heart. 'I see this as an opportunity for SWW to do something that is not just driven by financial motives. In my opinion, community ownership of this historic site would be the perfect focus for future sustainable energy activities within Chagford.'
