County solar farm supplying the City

The busy world of business in the City feels a million miles away from the Dorset countryside. But the two are now heavily linked after the opening of the new South Farm Solar Park. French energy firm Voltalia cut the ribbon on the 49.9MW facility near Spetisbury - the largest in the UK - on Friday, June 16. But the energy generated - enough to power some 15,000 homes - will not be staying in the county. It is being supplied to Guildhall, Tower Bridge, three markets and the Barbican Arts Centre in London - more than 100 miles away.

Voltalia has signed a £40m contract with the City Corporation which runs for 15 years.

South Farm Solar Park was connected to the grid last December and started delivering electricity to the business area, also known as the Square Mile, at the beginning of this year.

Voltalia said South Farm is on of a number of projects it is working on including at North Dairy Farm, near Dorchester and at Hardy’s Vale. However, the schemes have received opposition in some quarters, with residents claiming the solar parks are a blot on the landscape.

Rupert Hardy, chairman of North Dorset CPRE, said the Spetisbury development was ‘desecrating our beautiful landscape’. He added: “At a time of concern over food security, land should be used to provide food for Dorset rather than powering bankers’ offices in the City of London.”

Voltalia said the firm had invested more than £800,000 within 25 miles of the development. “In the current energy crisis, we are very proud to supply clean and cheap electricity to some of London’s most iconic landmarks,” it said.

Council helps children to get on their bikes

If your child wants to learn to ride a bike but you don’t have one, Dorset Council may be able to help!

The authority has been gifted 20 bikes for use by primaryage children during Bikeability sessions in the council’s area. Bikeability is a national programme that equips children with the necessary skills, knowledge, and understanding to cycle safely on roads. It also gives confidence for cycling in the future.

Instructors deliver the training at schools and nominated centres on behalf of Dorset Council.

At the end of the course, participants will receive a certificate and badge for the Bikeability Level they have completed.

More details about the scheme and how to obtain a bike as part of it, here: www.dorsetcouncil. gov.uk/bikeability