THE people of Lydney get a chance this weekend to examine plans for a unique scheme that could make the town a model for alternative energy self-sufficiency.
"The public meeting is really to involve local people in the plans and open up debate on the subject," said Graham Ayling, who heads the Severn and Wye Energy Agency.
He said it was important to find out what people thought about a project which would be an exciting development for Lydney.
His agency has established that a number of renewable energy technologies – among them wind turbines and a local wood-fired power generator – could supply a "significant" proportion of the town's domestic energy needs.
A questionnaire seeking views on all aspects of the project has been made available at several public outlets ahead of the meeting at the Youth and Community Centre, Naas Lane, from 2-4pm on Saturday.
It was important people returned these before the meeting, at which everyone was welcome.
"All comments, whether positive or negative, will help us to develop the project," said Mr Ayling.
As an encouragement, everyone who sends in a written response or who lists their name at the meeting will be entered in a prize draw for Baygen wind-up/solar power radio.
•Lydney Partnership is soon to announce early work on plans to reshape the town under the South West RDA's Markets and Coastal Towns Initiative. A super water festival celebrating the town's links with water commerce is also under discussion and anyone with ideas on the subject is asked to contact the partnership via the town council.