A SURVEY has begun in the Wiveliscombe area to gauge people's opinion of renewable energy and the possibility of a local community wind power project.

Brendon Energy, a renewable energy co-operative, has sent survey forms have been sent to the 2,700 households in Wiveliscombe and neighbouring parishes.

A spokesman for the group said: "We are looking at the feasibility of setting up one or possibly a small number of medium-sized wind turbines in the area.

"Unlike a commercial development, the profits earned would directly benefit the local community, through share interest to local Co-op members and the annual distribution of a community fund.

"A medium-sized wind turbine could generate 25 times more energy than our existing community solar power station in Wiveliscombe and earn hundreds of thousands of pounds for local community projects over the life of the project.

"We want to hear what people think of our plans while they are still being developed and depend on finding a suitable site."

An information sheet about the project was distributed with the survey and further details can be found on the website http://www.brendonenergy.org">www.brendonenergy.org, which includes case studies of successful community wind power projects established in the UK.

Completed survey forms should be submitted online or returned to Wiveliscombe Community Office or Milverton Stores by May 8.

Last year, Brendon Energy was one of seven national winners of the Co-operative's Community Energy Challenge, which is providing support for the initial stages of the project.