A group dedicated to introducing environmentally friendly sources of energy is exploring the prospect of developing a hydro-electricity scheme.

Transition Keighley has arranged a public meeting for next Tuesday when people can discuss the proposals.

The group has drawn up an outline document for creating a hydro-electric plant on the River Worth and its tributaries.

It states: “Several sites have already been identified on North Beck, Bridgehouse Beck and the River Worth that have the potential for a small-scale hydro electric plant.

“The business would be a social enterprise — one that is owned by and for the benefit of the community.”

Transition Keighley spokesman and Highfield resident Bob Thorp said: “We’re still quite a long way from the planning application stage.

“Ideally we would have this plant at any suitable weir.

“This would be part of a wider drive to create a sustainable, low carbon town.

“We want to re-localise things such as energy production, transport and employment.

“We’ve had this long process of globalisation and today 33 per cent of all UK food is imported — 50 per cent of our vegetables are imported.”

He explained the planned generator would make use of technology called an Archimedes screw, which has previously proved effective in similar projects elsewhere His group’s outline document stresses: “This does not significantly affect the flow of the river nor cause damage to fish or river ecology.” It adds: “Keighley’s transition from medieval market town to 19th century industrial town owes much to the abundance of water that gushes down the Worth and its tributary necks.

“Rainwater is still gushing off the surrounding moorland and it still remains a low impact, sustainable power source for the town.”

Tuesday’s public meeting will take place at the Temple Row Centre, in Keighley, at 7pm. All are welcome.