BUCKFASTLEIGH needs more votes to get free installation of solar panels in the town.

The town council is in the running for a Marks & Spencer energy grant to install 30KW of free solar energy on community buildings. They’re second place in the south west at the moment.

A spokesman for the council said: ‘Generating our own electricity will mean the community buildings, and the groups and people that use them, will be able to cut their running costs, which will help them survive in these difficult times.

‘The community as a whole will reduce its carbon emissions and help to guarantee a brighter future for the people of Buckfastleigh.’

The town council successfully bid for 30KW of free solar PV panels removed from Barnstaple Civic Centre. Although the panels are 10 years old they’re still working at 90 per cent efficiency.

The spokesman added: ‘After a preliminary study of different sites around the town for renewable energy we’ve now received second-stage funding to carry out a detailed energy audit and feasibility studies.

‘This includes installation of the panels on community buildings within the parish to help cut costs and carbon footprint for groups within the town.

‘All we need now is to find the funding to install these panels around the community when the study is completed. And that could well come from the M&S grant if we get enough votes.’

To cast a vote for Buckfastleigh visit www.mandsenergyfund.com/projects/buckfastleigh-town-council.