Opponents say relying on SWW to build solar farm is bad deal for bay

COUNCILLORS trying to get South West Water to build a solar farm on fields at Churston have been accused of coming up with a bad deal for the people of Torbay.

- by GUY HENDERSON

Torbay Council's cabinet voted unanimously to ask South West Water (SWW) to build the solar farm next to its sewage works at Brokenbury, rather than take on the work itself.

The council decided last June to build the project and then sell the electricity to SWW. Now it is likely to change its mind and hand the responsibility to the water company while collecting rent in return instead.

Deputy council leader Chris Lewis (Con, Preston) said the authority's track record on delivering its own projects was not good, and it would be better to leave it to others.

But Liberal Democrat group leader Swithin Long told cabinet members: "This is very much a worse deal for Torbay residents and there is only one response - shame on you."