The Atherstone Community Energy Workshop, held on 23 September, was the second event of its kind organised by Warwickshire County Council this year, building on a previous session in Brailes. While the Brailes event focused on rural challenges, the Atherstone programme explored solutions tailored to local housing, community buildings, education, renewable energy, and fuel poverty.
The initiative began with an online webinar on 16 September, where participants identified priorities. The in-person workshop allowed teams to refine these ideas into realistic proposals, with specialist advice on feasibility and funding. The area was chosen due to significant energy challenges, with approximately 59% of homes rated D or below and high levels of fuel poverty.
Four key proposals emerged: a local energy plan for renewable assets, an energy education programme for schools, an energy audit toolkit for community buildings using the Owen Street Community Arts Centre as a case study, and a solar-powered irrigation system for local allotments.
Expert organisations, including representatives from National Grid Electricity Distribution, Act on Energy, the Midlands Net Zero Hub, and North Warwickshire Citizens Advice, provided feedback to help assess feasibility and identify funding routes.
“"High energy costs and less energy-efficient buildings can place real pressure on households and community organisations. This event gave local people the opportunity to work directly with specialists and develop ideas that reflect the needs and opportunities in Atherstone and Mancetter."
“"Reducing reliance on energy imports and helping to lower energy bills are really good reasons to be investing in community energy schemes. The workshop was a great first step and we will continue to look for opportunities to deliver local energy projects in Atherstone."
Warwickshire County Council and the Countryside and Community Research Institute will continue to work with local partners to develop these proposals, exploring feasibility, funding, permissions, and partnerships. The council will also use learnings from this and the Brailes event to support other communities across Warwickshire.
Communities interested in learning more or exploring similar opportunities can get in touch via sfs@warwickshire.gov.uk.
