A UNIQUE scheme to raise £142,000 to put solar panels on community buildings in Warrington has been launched – and organisers want the public to invest.

LiveWire, which runs the town's leisure centres and libraries, is the brains behind the social enterprise.

It will allow people to invest in a new not-for-profit organisation called Livewire Community Energy (LCWE).

As well as getting an annual tax relief on their investment, investors will help lower the town's carbon footprint.

Jan Souness, chairman of LWCE, said the scheme was launched after LiveWire found people were struggling to pay their energy bills which are increasing year-on-year due to the rising cost of fossil fuels.

She said: "“This is a fantastic opportunity for people in the community to make an ethical investment in a share offer which allows local people to take ownership of their renewable energy resources and to support the reinvestment of any surplus profits back into Warrington’s communities."

Investors will receive an estimated pre-tax relief return of four per cent on their investment annually. They may also receive a one off 50 per cent tax relief on their investment under a Government scheme, Someone who invests £1,000 could see a return of £500 if they’ve already paid this in tax. Any surplus made by the organisation will be reinvested into Warrington.

If the £142,000 is raised, it will pay for solar panels at Grappenhall Community Centre, Heathside Mews, Latchford Community Hub and Poplars Farm. This will reduce the running costs of the buildings and any surplus energy will feed into the grid.

Lymm Community Energy recently raised £109,000 for the installation of solar panels at two schools in Lymm.

Michael Sheppard, chief executive of Warrington Community Living, which manages Heathside Mews said: “As a charity providing essential services and support to residents we have faced substantial increases in our energy costs over the past few years.

"LiveWire Community Energy will install the solar panels at no cost to the charity and in return we will benefit from lower energy bills as well as helping to meet our commitment to the environment.

"We also support the reinvestment of any surpluses to make a difference in the local communities of Warrington.”

Investments can be made up until Friday, August 21 at 5pm at livewirecommunityenergy.org.

Directors may close the offer earlier if it is fully subscribed before this date, or may extend the date if required.