A NEW co-operative group campaigning for a greener Hampshire has held its first meeting.

Members and supporters of Hampshire Renewable Energy Co-operative (HREC) met in Winchester to discuss renewable energy generation projects in the county.

Those attending heard about the co-operatives aims, campaigns and recent activities, and quizzed the co-ops directors about future projects and long-term aims.

Martin Heath, HREC director, said: “It was great to see so many new faces at our first members and supporters event.

“We were particularly impressed by the amount of enthusiasm amongst the member-ship for us to press forward with some of our smaller scale projects, as well as the high levels of continued and sustained support we have received for the proposed Bullington Cross wind farm.”

HREC was set up to create a range of renewable energy generation facilities throughout Hampshire, which will be co-operatively run for community benefit.

To date, HREC has focused on gaining support for the proposed Bullington Cross wind farm, which it hopes to own 10 per cent of under its community ownership scheme.

More than 1,300 residents have so far contacted local councils supporting the wind farm.

Mr Heath said: “It’s imperative for the future of the Co-op and green energy in Hampshire that we find more supporters, members and volunteers to join in with a variety of community events across the county this year.”

He added: “We would also welcome invita-tions from event organisers for us to exhibit at local events, give talks and presentations or run small workshops about renewable energy.”

For more information, visit hampshire-energy.co.uk.