PLANS for the Drill Hall in Chepstow to generate its own electricity have been extended.

The hall's management committee has been given permission for a 16-panel installation generating four kilowatts of electricity.

But after receiving more advice on the project, the committee is considering a 10-kilowatt scheme that would produce more electrcity.

Once the plans are finalised, regular users of the hall in Lower Church Street will be given the opportunity to invest in the scheme for a fixed rate of return over 10 years.

The Drill Hall belongs to Monmouthshire Council but is leased by Chepstow Town Council and is run by a management idea.

Committee chairman Councillor Ned Heywood said: "As soon as we have all the requisite permissions, we shall be giving regular users of the Drill Hall teh opportunity to invest in the installation for a fixed rate of return over 10 years.

"Judging by the response from users of the village halls in St Arvans and Pandy (near Abergavenny) and the Bridges Community Centre in Monmouth, we should have no difficulty in raising the money."

Councillor Marian Lewis, the committee's treasurer, added: "This installation could save a considerable amount on our electricity costs, as well as reducing the carbon footprint of this well-used community facility.

"If we can raise enough money for the 10Kw installation, we should go for it - we already have declared interest from five people, each willing to invest £1,000 in the scheme."