The Low Carbon Communities for Business initiative is set to dramatically cut emissions in four Shropshire towns. It will also give local businesses an edge in the emerging environmental economy.

The Rural Regeneration Zone has contributed £555,000 to the £1.84 million scheme, focused on Bishops Castle, Ellesmere, Cleobury Mortimer and the area to the south of Oswestry. The towns have been chosen because of a number of factors, including existing renewable energy resources, restricted transport infrastructure and the fact they are not connected to a mains gas supply.

Grants and business support will be made available for initiatives such as the installation of ground source heat pumps, biomass boilers and solar panels. The scheme is expected to save 6,665 tonnes of carbon dioxide over three years. Such a grant was awarded to The Royal Hill Inn, south of Oswestry, which is just one of the businesses cutting carbon emissions as part of the programme. Following an environmental audit the pub replaced 54 conventional lamps with energy efficient alternatives. The switch will save the business more than £800 in electricity and four tonnes of CO2 per year.