Dover Council switches on wind turbine

Dover District Council has begun using its own wind turbine to produce power for some of its offices. It is estimated the turbine, which is helping to power the Council's Whitfield premises, could save up to £4,000 a year on bills.

Councillor Nick Kenton said the council was sending out an important message about sustainable energy production. The turbine was funded by the Energy Saving Trust, EDF Energy, and the South East England Development Agency.

Lib Dem Folkestone and Shepway Councillor Tim Prater congratulated Dover's move. He said:

"This is just the sort of project our local Councils should be looking at. Folkestone Town Council is not currently in a position to do so, with rented ground floor offices in the town centre, but I really hope we will be able do so in future.

"Shepway Council really should be considering how it uses renewal energy, including solar and wind power at the Civic Centre offices in Castle Hill Avenue, and at its depots in Shepway. There is a lot of unused roof space on the Civic Centre buildings, which seems a real waste in one of the sunniest places in the UK. It seems Dover have stolen a march on Shepway in the use of renewal power - I hope that Shepway have plans for their own."