MEMBERS of Bovey Tracey Town Council have awarded a grant of £25,000 to help the town’s charity-operated outdoor swimming pool install an improved solar energy system.
Last year trustees spent £27,000 on more efficient gas boilers but want to improve the site’s green credentials even further.
Its current solar panel array and battery storage system is only four years old but not powerful enough to operate pumps for long periods.
Independent advisors have found that rapid advances in the technology mean the existing set up can’t be extended.
The cost of installing 48 more efficient panels, an inverter, double stack batteries and roof strengthening comes to more than £38,000.
Trustees have pledged to hold fundraising events but asked the Town Council to kickstart the project with £25,000 from the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) pot, using money from developers building homes at sites such as Longston Cross.
In their application the trustees said: ‘As well as always trying to improve the facilities we offer, we need to explore renewable and more affordable energy solutions to help future-proof the pool for future generations.
‘We previously raised funds to install a solar panel array with battery storage on the available roof space. This reduced in part our electricity costs and environmental impact. We would now like to improve and extend our use of solar panels.
‘We know that the Town Council is committed to renewable energies and feel
that our project links to the Town Council's own Carbon Emissions Reduction Plan.’
Members meeting at Full Council on Monday November 9 were supportive of the scheme in principle but wanted reassurance that the pool’s existing solar system could be re-used elsewhere in the parish.
Cllr Glen Kennedy, who has been advising pool trustees on technological matters, argued that demanding a new site be identified before the grant was awarded would delay the project and, potentially, land the recipients with an unknown bill for installation.
Proposing the grant be given he said: ’These are people in our community, let’s have some trust in them.’
Members voted in favour and Clerk Mark Wells will write to trustees, informing them of the council’s hopes.
More news
-
County highways engineers hear concerns about Bovey Tracey bridge replacement scheme.
BOVEY Tracey Town Council has welcomed plans to replace an ageing pedestrian bridge but expressed concerns that the proposed 38-week scheme could damage town centre businesses.
Added: 11 November 2026
Bovey Tracey’s South West in Bloom gold winners honoured in ceremony
AMATEUR gardeners and volunteers of all ages who helped Bovey Tracey win a Gold in this year’s RHS South West in Bloom contest and receive The Preece Cup for best in category have been honoured at the town’s Riverside Community Centre.
Added: 11 November 2026
Water safety improvements planned for Bovey Tracey’s Mill Marsh Park
WATER safety in Bovey Tracey’s Mill Marsh Park is set to be taken up a notch with the introduction of new lifesaving equipment and public information boards.
Added: 29 October 2026
Volunteers clear litter from Bovey Tracey woodland
VOLUNTEERS have cleared a Bovey Tracey woodland of rubbish left by inconsiderate visitors.
Added: 23 October 2026
Remembrance Sunday in Bovey Tracey
This year’s Remembrance events in Bovey Tracey are set to begin at 9.
Added: 09 October 2026
Eco heating system at Bovey Tracey’s Riverside centre will cut emissions and bills
A NEW eco-friendly heating system at Bovey Tracey’s Riverside Centre will cut carbon emissions and looks set to cost the town’s tax payers nothing, members have been told.
Added: 10 September 2026
Bovey Tracey Town Council awards £2,000 grant to discount food scheme
THE charity that operates a weekly discounted food scheme has been awarded a £2,000 grant by Bovey Tracey Town Council.
Added: 10 September 2026
Bovey Tracey Town Council agrees to appoint contractor for £60,000 Heathfield play park improvement scheme
BOVEY Tracey Town Council has agreed to appoint specialist contractors to carry out a £60,000 makeover of a tired play park in Heathfield.
Added: 10 September 2026
£20,000 CCTV installation in Bovey Tracey at no cost to residents
A £20,000 CCTV scheme looks set to be coming to Bovey Tracey with none of the installation costs being landed on residents.
Added: 10 September 2026
The Riverside Community Centre in Bovey Tracey looks set to get an artistic makeover, led by the town’s teenagers.
Creation of a ‘youth-friendly space’ in the building, owned by the town council and supported by the National Lottery, was recommended by officials from Devon Communities Together who had helped monitor The National Lottery Funding objectives.
Added: 03 September 2026
Grounds man Roger Rance - 25 years commitment to Bovey Tracey
WHEN unexpected redundancy forced welder/fabricator Roger Rance into early retirement at the age of 55, positive changes were to follow.
Added: 12 August 2026
Bike maintenance point available free to cyclists in Bovey Tracey
CYCLISTS passing through Bovey Tracey can make use of a new £1,200 bike repair point donated by members of South Devon Cyclists Touring Club (SDCTC).
Added: 09 July 2026
For older news articles please click here to view our news archive.