RESIDENTS of New Cumnock are invited to a public exhibition regarding a community-owned windfarm extension.

Improving New Cumnock (INC), a charity established in 2007, are hosting the event at the town hall on Wednesday, March 15, from 3pm to 8pm.

Locals will have a chance to find out more about the plans for a two-turbine extension to the existing High Park Farm Wind Turbine to the south of the village.

The group have had an instrumental involvement in a number of local projects, including saving New Cumnock town hall and open air swimming pool from demolition and securing their restoration.

They have also secured funding from Local Energy Scotland to pursue a community owned wind turbine project.

Following feasibility, viability, environmental and technical studies, they are proposing the extension of two turbines would be 74m (242ft) high.

Ian Howat, chairman of INC, said: “We are excited to bring forward this unique opportunity to the New Cumnock community and we are very keen to hear the views of the local community.

“The wind speeds here are amongst the highest in Europe so it’s a great place to generate clean, green energy. The project would provide a steady income stream directly to the community in order to provide vital funding for local projects.

“INC continues to promote the regeneration of the area through the provision of recreational facilities and other projects all with the aim of benefitting the inhabitants of New Cumnock”.

“Current financial analysis of the development has demonstrated that the turbines could provide approximately £75,000 to the community annually for the 20-year lifetime of the project — a total of £1,500,000. INC is willing to accept any ideas in which the funds could be usefully utilised within the community.”

Green Cat Renewables will also be in attendance at the public exhibition.